The Machine Embroidery Group

On Wednesday mornings a few people gather in the Rangers Centre at the Castle with their sewing machines, fabrics and threads to do Machine Embroidery.  It all began after an Arran Visual Arts weekend some years ago tutored by Laura Lees.  We all enjoyed it so much and realised what a liberating art form it is and we wanted to continue.  There is no leader, we just seek advice and learn from each other.  A very wide variety of work has been achieved from beautiful quilts and hangings to pictures, cushions, bags, brooches and beads.              

All one really needs is any sewing machine but the opportunities for really creative work are much enhanced if you can drop the feed dogs and use a darning foot.  The needle can then act like a stationary pencil, “drawing”, while the embroiderer moves the fabric freely underneath it.  This in itself is great fun but given the multitude of fabrics and threads that are available these days the possibilities are endless.

Last term two of us printed our own photos onto silk and then quilted and beaded them.  Another member of the group experimented with paints and appliqué, making unique patchwork squares for her quilt.  Yet another experimented with a variety of materials, including fimo clay, to create beads and necklaces.  We also fused and cut different fabrics using hot air guns and soldering irons.  Some of the newest fabrics shrink and curl in  heat enabling bowls and other 3D shapes to be made.  Sheets of light weight wire mesh sandwiched between various fabrics and stitched allow for the resulting piece to be shaped as required.

Many machines have a variety of decorative stitches which can be used in many ways.  I experimented with mine by trying them out on a striped fabric and the result was really pleasing so I made it into a needle case.  I also tried them on ribbons and braids and then joined them together, again using the set stitches and made yet another needle case!

Sometimes we decide to give a morning over to a specific activity, such as silk painting or transfer painting.  This enables us to pool our resources and produce fabrics that are inspirational in themselves.   Some of us want to have a go at making dolls when we start again at the end of January. 

If anyone would like to join us they would be very welcome and could be sure of help and encouragement.  Just ring Marjorie McDougall on 600 211 or Judith Baines on 820223.

Pictures Compas & Standing stone panel for group quilt, Betty McCormack ; postbox Audrey McCrone