The Guildford Embroidery

[Kristina Graham]

I am creating a large wall-hanging for Guildford measuring 9' by 3' with a large frieze surrounding. The work will be completed in small units and applique to the main duck fabric. Year of completion 2012, to be hung in the new Civic Hall and opened by a prominent person. Stitching will be freestyle with stumpwork, and silk shading etc. (see my page for details) Would you like to join? We have roughly 30 active stitchers but we need more... please help!

[Kristina Graham]

Hi Arlene, we had our meeting today and its thumbs up for our international stitchers! I think the easiest thing to do is the small embellishments, beetles, bugs, dragonflies, small flowers and leaves etc. which can be done in flat hand embroidery or stumpwork, plus easy to box up and post. I need to make the design once you have thought about what you would like to do.

The wallhanging is just a computer photo mock up, I have completed most of the buildings paint outlines and these are just started to be stitched. One small flower garden has been finished so I can load that on the GE album.

We have had a special giant slate frame made and in a coupe of weeks Rhoda and I will mount the duck background fabric on this and then tack the river and high street for positioning purposes. I then have to paint the background with a special artiest ink which then gets rid of the white and allows the elements to be appliqued in place with no fear of white showing through.

The international embellishments will adorn the riverside and meadow areas giving it good detail and interest.

Have a think about what you could go for, a good book is Jane Nichols stumpwork books which have a lot material and ideas.

For everyone else also, let me know your thoughts and ideas.

Speak soon!

[Carol-Anne]

I've found you on facebook and sent a friends request.

CA

[Betty Watson]

This sounds a facinating project and I see you are looking for Internatinal stitchers. Although I don't live as far as Australia I do live in Guernsey and would be interested in doing some stitching for the wall hanging. I enjoy stumpwork and also long and short stitch.
My daughter lives in Claygate so would be able to view the hanging when completed.

I was involved in the designing and stitching on a panel for the 'War Child' charity. Panels 6' x 4' for every year of the last century are being made, and I, together with a friend designed and did a lot of sewing on the one we did for 1943.

[Kristina Graham]

Great! Rhoda and I will come up with some designs, not set in stone but it is important to get the size right, and long distance stitchers will probably do mostly small pieces such as birds, insects, butterflies, flowers etc. so they can be applied at random to suit.

All contricutors will get a mention and come to the opening if possible to be included in the process.

When I get time (!) I will load more data onto my album on 'my page' showing the photo design and also other bits and pieces. When you get going you can load your work in progress on your page!

[Christine McKenna]

Kristina, I've not done a lot of stumpwork but can do most things with a little practise. I took a workshop at my Guild for a stumpwork flying fish with detached beaded fins and Victorian silk satin stitching. That was fun, so I'm reasonably confident. Looking foward to joining the "team"
Hooroo,
Christine in Guildford NSW Australia.
http://missmuffettwo.blogspot.com/

[Sue Noble]

Love the idea and would love to do some workshops let me know when they are and I will see what I can do, look forward to seeing the designs

[Liz in Kansas]

Kristina, I see you have posted a photo of the planned embroidery. My goodness! Just the plan is an amazing piece of artwork. Please keep us up-to-date as the project progresses. Perhaps by 2012 I will have enough experience with stumpwork to do a small piece.

[Kristina Graham]

Liz you can join in now! How about a small stumpwork leaf? If you feel like a try I can give you an on-line pattern and instructions, plus you can email me any questions.

There are many complicated elements but just as many simples add-ons which will embellish the wallhanging.

Have a think about it!

[Liz in Kansas]

My schedule is much too hectic at the moment. Trying to get some things done before new flooring comes in and then sewing room will be off-limits for a little while! I AM thinking about it, tho. I will keep the idea out for periodic consideration. I expect you will hear from me sooner rather than later. LOL!

[Kristina Graham]

I'll have to tempt you :)

[Cate Field]

I would love to be part of this.. it's sounds wonderful. I am currently working on a banner for St John's Church, West Byfleet, and will be starting a Community Project there in October... My work is mainly embroidery, paint and quilting... any good for you?

All the best
Cate Field (in Woking)

[Kristina Graham]

Oh yes! Would you like to come to our meeting? We hold one every month, first Saturday fo the month so this Sept it will be Saturday 5th September. We hold the meeting at Rhoda's house between 11am and 1pm.

There are all sorts of ability stitchers, some are well under way and others just starting. We welcome new joiners so would be delighted to see you.

Actually this next meeting is a special one, as we have finally framed up the fabric and about to paint it; so there will be a cold buffet and a viewing of that.

We are stitching the buildings at the moment, so you can have a look and choose something that you fancy.

I am trying to get some international contributions and you will see Arlene has started some insects, and I am about to ask other distant stitchers to perhaps do some riverside animals and foliage.

Let me know and I will email you more info.