Stitches Coven summer Exhibition 2015: A Stitch in Time

This year's exhibition at Swansea Grand opened on a Tuesday 4th August. The launch was very well attended and we received a lot of encouraging feedback.

The Alzheimer's Society were presented with this year's group installation which consisted of a number of small collections of artwork intended to evoke memories and facilitate conversation for patients and their families whilst waiting to be seen at their outpatients appointments. From local landmarks such as Mumbles pier to occupational snapshots, a range of different images were created to provide talking points for people to share memories of their  past lives and work.  It is hoped these will serve as a useful prompts for conversation and help pass the time in an interesting and meaningful way.

Members have worked hard to produce a great collection of work this year, and the group seems to be going from strength to strength. All the pieces were very personal -  some joyfully nostalgic while others shared more poignant moments such as the quilt by Alyson Thomas made from her father's shirts as a tribute to the life of this man who is sadly no longer with us. 

I'll be posting  pictures of all the work over the next few weeks so watch this space....

The exhibition continues until Fri 21 August so there is still (just) time to view until then. Thanks to those of you who have come to view and taken time to leave a comment in our visitors book. We hope you will join us for next year's exhibition which will again be at the Grand, but this time will also as part of the Swansea Festival of Stitch.

Nuno Felt Scarves workshop with Mandy Nash on 11 Oct 2014

 Learn how to felt with fabric and create a luxurious and delicate scarf.

Mandy is a talented feltmaker and is the exhibitions officer for the International Feltmakers Association. To learn more about Mandy and her work please visit her website at www.mandynash.co.uk.

Please click here for further details. Places can be booked by contacting Donna Jones here

Doors on Tour

After being included in our August Exhibition Architecture at Swansea Grand, thanks to Dianne & Brenda our group installation of doors has gone on tour to Gorseinon Library.

photo by Brenda Rees

The doors were a great talking point at the exhibition, and we had a lot of really positive feedback from visitors. Thanks to everyone who helped out, and all those that have supported us by attending it.

Exhibition 2014 - Architecture

It's hard to believe it's a year since our debut exhibition last summer. This year's work draws on the theme of architecture for inspiration. Come and join us at the launch.

July Workshop - Shibori Ruffles: Wrist-warmers or scarf with Mandy Nash

Saturday 12th July 2014 , 10-4pm at Gorseinon Institute

Mandy Nash returns again to offer this fab workshop exporing shibori ruffles.

Shibori Ruffled Cuffs by Mandy Nash

Make a fancy lacy pair of wrist-warmers which are both functional and decorative, using Wensleydale and merino wool.  Students will be shown a shibori technique to create an elastic effect and frilly edges.  The technique can be adapted to make scarves and lampshades.

Mandy is a talented feltmaker and is the exhibitions officer for the International Feltmakers Association. To learn more about Mandy and her work please visit her website

Mandy will bring:

•    Materials to make the wrist-warmers or scarf  will be provided at a cost of *£3.50 (for wrist-warmers) or £6.00 (for scarf) per person, payable on the day.

You need to bring:

•    Apron (optional – or wear old clothes it’s going to get messy!)
•    Notebook and pen
•    Old towels and plastic bags to take your damp work home
•    Large pieces of bubble wrap if you have these available
•    Sharp scissors, a tape measure and strong polyester sewing thread and sewing needles.
•    Bar of soap
•    *Your money for materials (If preferred  you can  bring your own tops from your own stash instead)

Suitable for all levels from beginners to more experienced. Cost is £20 for Stitches Coven, Itchy Fingers or IFA members (£25 nonmembers) plus small fee per person for the materials provided depending on your project choice (see above).

Places are booked on a first come first served basis with payment - contact Donna Jones to book a place.

Dyeing Can Be Easy Workshop - Sat 17th May at Gorseinon Institute

Itchy Fingers member Sandra Stacey will be sharing her knowledge & expertise about dyeing in this exciting workshop. click on the picture for further information.

Barkcloth to Artcloth completed shoes

Janet of Starchild and her team have done our piece of fabric proud by transforming them into no less than 7 pairs of  shoes - this is the photo she posted on the Barkcloth to Artcloth Facebook page (I'm sure she won't mind me posting it here) aren't they fantastic?

I can't wait to see these at the Fashion, Embroidery and Stitch exhibition at the NEC at the weekend where they'll be displayed with a stunning array of others, many of which look stunning. Many people have contributed embellished fabric both as individuals or as groups like us, also ranging from amateurs to well know textile artists like Ruth Issett, Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn to name but a few :-)