5th Anniversary Challenge!

Now that I have all the challenges photographed I can finally post this. Not everyone made it to the night so there are a few who haven't seen the challenge entries. The challenge was to create something using a method you learnt whilst at the group. If possible get five into your piece in some way.

First up are the originals. Last year we had only one original so it was nice to see quite a few this time. This first one was done by Margaret. This is what she said on her entrance form;

I learnt to crochet granny squares when we went to Garmore. So I decided to crochet a blanket and pillowcase for my challenge. I used 5 colours from the rainbow and for the blanket I used 5 colours 5 times. I only learnt to crochet the edging two weeks ago. To make it she used DK yarn in 5 colours and a crochet hook.

This was by Linda and she said;

Was shown how to do granny squares by another member of the group. I have adapted this for the challenge by making this 5 sided. Materials used were double knitting yarn and crochet.

This was by Alison and is called Bed Runner. Alison said;

Japanese folded quilting - the 5th new thing I learnt since starting at the group (other 4 were - quilting, drawstring bags, sugar flowers, Sashiko work). Bed runner - for my bed, colours fit in for my summer quilt to break up the expanse of white & it goes with my curtains. Japanese folded quilting - wadding, 2 materials, cornflakes box - for pattern, compass, scissors, embroidery threads.

This was by Janice and she said;

Learnt patchwork since coming here with help of others. Used patchwork - poly cotton.

The final original entry was by Elaine. I'm afraid that I lost the form that Elaine filled in. I can tell you though that Elaine learnt to crochet a few years ago when being taught Granny squares by Donna. At the second Garmore at home day she then was taught more delicate crochet by another member of the group. This shrug Elaine designed herself. She taught herself the small circles and worked out how to bring them together into the shrug.

The second category was adapted which means they all came from a pattern. The first was this entry from myself called Socks A Plenty. I wrote;

I learnt to knit socks whilst at the group. I did five pairs using five different methods/techniques I had never done before. Baby socks - done 2 at a time on one cable needle, 1 pair of colour work, 1 pair of beaded, 1 pair of crochet, 1 pair done on straight needles rather than the round. Materials used were 3 sock books, 1 internet pattern, various 4 ply yarn, crochet hook, straight needles, DPNs, cable needle, seed beads and darning needle.

This entry was from Donna and is called My Collection of 5. She wrote;

Since starting the group I have learnt a variety of different sewing techniques. I have learnt how to read and follow a pattern, the importance of seam allowances and strengthening of stitches and how to quilt. I have with me my first 5 projects of varying degrees of difficulty: bag, advent calendar, Thomas quilt, Rag Doll, dress. I used mainly my machine for the stitching. The fabric is mainly cotton. I used patterns for the bag, rag doll and dress. All projects include seam allowances which I had to stick rigidly to. Wadding was used for the quilt and the calendar.

This entry was by Stephanie and she said;

My new craft, I started sewing just before Christmas. I have three good teachers, Izzi, Val and Helen who are members of this club. Finding it hard work but learnt a lot.

This entry came from Fiona and she said;

My entry fits the birthday theme perfectly as it is a cake to celebrate the special occasion. Materials used were wool, ribbon, seed beads, invisible thread, sparkle dust. Crafts used were knitting and sewing. First time reading and carrying out pattern.

This entry is from Roberta and she said;

Never had quilted before and this is No's 3, 4 & 5 advent calendars down. Fabric, sewing machine + patience + joy when finished.

This entry is from Isabel and she said;

My piece is; childlike in it's simplicity, sincere in it's gratitude, 5 skills learnt and Many moments appreciated. A Celebration and a Big Thank You.

Each piece is self explanatory and are only 5 of the many craft styles and techniques learnt from individuals in the group. The absolute delight that after years of knitting I can do a neat seam is to me wondrous and has taken away so much frustration. The fear of fabric sewing has almost gone. A sock astonishing! Crocheting beautiful and delicate. And embossing (stumbled across one evening when one member was showing another) magical.

I can remember the name of everyone who imparted these skills, but all of the group have shared skills, knowledge and encouragement but most importantly their time, support and good company.

This entry was from Helen and is titled 5 Gold Things. She said;

5 new projects that I was surprised to learn! Never in my wildest dreams did I consider these crafts. Materials used were quilting fabrics, ribbons, wadding, variegated threads, embroidery threads. Methods were applique, ribbon, weaving, hand stitching, sashing, free motion quilting (writing).

This final entry came from Caroline. She said;

I learnt to crochet when we went to Gartmore last May. My blanket contains; 5 different types of slower, 5 motifs (heart, butterfly, inter-locking rings, clover, floating circle), 5 granny square variations (traditional, round, lacy, spiral, half [triangle]). Materials used were Double knitting wool, 4. 25mm crochet hook. All crocheted. Design is all my own. I used and adapted patterns for the individual squares.

Angie from Hobbycraft kindly volunteered to judge for us. She doesn't know the group but is aware of the work put in due to her job which made her perfect for judging. You can see her here with our winners. So a big thank you to Angie.

For the original entry Alison won for her beautiful bed runner.

For adapted Caroline won for her intricate crochet blanket.

Stephanie here was our runner up.

I think everyone had fun taking part and although I had considered making this the last one we will be doing another challenge this year. I have already sent out details of the theme so I can announce it here too. Carolin came up with the fantastic idea of utilising the fact that Glasgow are hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games. So our theme is going to be Glasgow. People can opt out and choose the Commonwealth games as their theme too. However, I thought more people would prefer Glasgow in general. Hopefully some of our newer members will feel more comfortable joining in by then and I can't wait to see what people come up with.

Next post up will be about our Gartmore at home day and our trip to Frankie & Bennies.

Those Challenges!

The intention was to have a whole post dedicated to all our other events. However, I was underestimating just how many challenges we have done over the years. It started in 2009 and it was the idea of our sock lady, Ginnie. In fact she organised it all. We both came up with the theme Scottish Homecoming because, well, 2009 was the year of Scottish Homecoming due to the birthday of Robert Burns. Ginnie organised everything else. She set up the forms (which we still use), the format and how it would be organised. We still use everything she set up but adapt it for each challenge.

Two members of the Borders team judged the challenge back then and our first winners were Donna (for her crochet haggis, neeps and tatties) and Margaret (for her Scottish snowman).

The second challenge took place in October of the same year and was our autumn challenge. The theme this time was celebration and it could be any kind of celebration. This time a friend of Ginnie's did the judging and I was unfortunately roped in due to not entering something. Was one of the hardest things I have had to do and I have since ensured that it wouldn't happen again.

The winners were Monica for her gorgeous Halloween witch. Plus Carol for this beautiful wall hanging which celebrated the anniversary of the quilting gatherers.

In 2010, despite intentions, we only had the one challenge. We had intended two which is why it was called our spring challenge. This time the theme was 'my favourite things'. We had three winners, two main prizes and runner up. Elaine won for decorating a cake with her favourite things (which we all then ate). Helen won for creating a scrapbook folder. Inside the folder she had made some scrapbook items with her favourite things. Margaret won the runner up prize for her cross stitch sampler of her favourite things.

In 2011 we again had only one challenge. We were in our new home by this point which meant there was a lot more space to show everything. This time the challenge was to create something with the theme 'all about me'. We had an additional prize for our juniour members. Zuzanna had entered her first knitted aliens. Stephanie won for her original knitted cakes. We all wished they were edible. Linda won for her gorgeously stitched needle roll. Caroline won the runner up prize for her hot water bottle cover. Have to say it was one of my favourites.

Last year I think we finally resigned ourselves to the challenges being annual. This time Helen came up with the theme. She came up with the fantastic idea that everyone could make anything they wanted but they were only allowed to use scraps or leftovers. Brilliant way to use up all those odd and ends. Magdalena won for her gorgeous crochet bag.  Stephanie won for her little dolls (which have become famous around the group). We had an official juniour category with two prizes. Zuzanna won for her crochet collage and Freya came second with her lovely Christmas decoration. Last but not least Isabel was a runner up for her scarf (which she has since lost, group member will not be surprised by this).

The next challenge is on Tuesday night in celebration of being 5 and Magdalena came up with that theme. I already have next years challenge planned and this time everyone will have a year in which to do it.

You can see why I had to have a post dedicated to just the challenges. I have also come to the conclusion that any posts about our Gartmore visits should also be on it's own. So that's the subject of tomorrow.

Christmas Prep!

Before I start talking about this collection of images from our talented group I have a mention for another talented group (of which a few of our members just happen to also be a member of). If you enjoyed Helen's report on the quilting show then there is an opportunity for you to go and see some quilts yourself. The Glasgow Gathering of quilters are staging an exhibition of their "Suitcase collection" of quilts in the Willow Tea Room in Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, on the 2nd floor. Opening hours are 10am - 4pm Mon-Sat. It ends this Friday.

Without further ado it's about time that this photograph was taken. You may remember that one of the winners of our challenge was absent. Isabel came back from her holidays a few weeks ago and it took me about three weeks to remember to bring along her prize and the prize winning scarf. Sorry Isabel! So now you can see Isabel finally receiving her prize as well as showing off her fabulous scarf.

A few weeks ago you may remember a photograph of a beautiful granny square baby blanket which was created by Anthea. This is a present for a friend who has just become a mum. Well, she has also made her friend a lovely bag to go with it and this baby toy (the toy jingles). Once again I love the colours. Anthea got the pattern from a blog that is much loved by many members of the group called Attic24. I used one of her patterns before myself. If you like bright colours and crochet it's worth checking out.

This lovely hat and mitts were knitted by Stephanie. I did try to get a photo of Stephanie modelling them but she was far too fast for me. The hat is very unusual though as it is knitted in panels. Stephanie says it was actually very easy to do. I think these are going to her granddaughter.

Roberta has been equally busy on the crochet front. The first is a baby blanket done mainly in double crochet. The little bear was cross stitched onto the blanket afterwards. Roberta says it was a bit footery at first but this was her first go at it. Looks amazing to me. Sadly it has no recipient yet. The second blanket I'm afraid the camera doesn't do justice. For some strange reason my camera hates sparkles. I think you can just make them out in the blue but trust me the red is also sparkly. This beautiful blanket is for her granddaughter. I love the fact that she has done a blue edging. It just sets the whole thing off.

It's getting to that time of year where the bulk of the images are of Christmas themes of presents. Once again Roberta has been busy as has Alison. These beautiful advent calendars were stitched by them both. Again I don't think the camera does them justice but it's safe to say they were very much admired. Hard to believe that it's only been about a year since the pair had some quilting lessons.

Margaret has also been busy once again with her Christmas cross stitch. She has just about finished all her cards for family members. The first three cards featuring elves are for her grand nieces. The last one with the monkey is for her youngest daughter.

Good news! We just found out that Sheena is expecting. She is also moving back to Glasgow so will once again be a regular at the group (we've missed her). We will be holding a baby shower for her the first Tuesday we are back after Christmas.

Lastly, wish us luck! This week myself and Elaine are taking part in a readathon to raise money for SAMH (any excuse to read).