We held our AGM before the party festivities and said thank you to Anne, who is standing down as chair. She was thanked for her truly impressive contribution to BETA and role in helping us establish the group. Meriel is taking over as chair and Ruth stepping up to be secretary, thanks were given to both of them and to Dee who is joining the committee. We also collected feedback about last years sessions, to guide our future programme.
We enjoyed the plentiful treats supplied by the committee, before an interesting presentation from Ruth about Hardanger a form of open work which comes from Norway, usually completed in white perle, so included as a form of white work, although colour can be used. Ruth explained that the cutting of the stitched fabric which is then over woven is the most challenging part of the process and recommended hardanger scissors as helpful. The work is best completed on linen even weave, or specialist hardanger fabric. She showed us some lovely samples and offered to run a mini workshop in the New Year if members are interested.
We also held our competition BETA in bloom. Entries are shown below. The winner was Rowan with a very skilled piece of realistic stitching of pansies. The photo below does not do justice to the piece which was truly amazing. The entries as a whole were varied, beautiful and showed off a range of skills and ideas. The new format for the competition devised by Ruth and Liz was praised by all. We look forward to the winter competition subject to be chosen by Rowan.
The raffle colour was pink and the two bags completed by Kay and Diane are shown below.
Our next meeting is on 9th September 2024. Ann Patterson is speaking about Ordinary and Extraordinary Women, stories told through textiles, which sounds fascinating and a great welcome back after the Summer break. The raffle colour is purple.
Birmingham Embroidery and Textile Art 