I am proud to show you the new book that goes with the exhibition that is now traveling the UK.

The Exibition dates are:

Fashion and Embroidery, The Showground, Harrogate 5th-7th October 2007.

Creative Stitches, Cardiff Arena 2nd-4th November 2007.

Creative Stitches, Brighton Centre 8th-10th February 2008.

Creative Stitches, SECC, Glasgow 6th-9th March 2008.

Sewing for Pleasure, NEC Birmingham 13th-16th March 2008.

For three years now, the NNA has been documenting the textiles of the WI. Some of the items have been given to the organization, because unfortunately the groups have closed. The book shows many different works of art made by the members of the WI, or commissioned by them. So if you can’t make it to the exhibition, all the works are included in the book. (Though I’ve seen the exhibition and there is something about seeing these beautiful works up close and in person.)

The book is available at the exhibitions or by post direct from the NNA. The cost is £14.99 plus £2.90 p&p. Cheques for £17.89, made out to the National Needlework Archive, should be sent to:

Boldre House
5 Boldrewood Road
Southampton
Hampshire. SO16 7BW

I have to say I was amazed that fun fur wasn’t invented for this new revival in knitting. Here is proof, that back when hats were worn on a regular basis…you could buy fake fur and make yourself a cool hat.

These are some of the many patterns that we have had donated to us. I plan on posting some pictures of them because they are really interesting.

Here is good news for all of those who have been waiting for the launch of Round 2 of the extremely popular Poetry in Stitches. Details of the new project will be posted on the website from April 2007. Pictures to be completed by December 7th, 2007.

Mission: Make a textile picture interpretation of a poem (any poem EXCEPT those used in Round 1 – these will be listed on the website and will accompany the Registration Form). Finished picture size 2 ft x 2 ft (61 cms x 61 cms) Any textile technique or mix of techniques acceptable – see Rules for further details of restrictions and requirements. The fabulous book of Round 1 pictures and poems is available for £14.99 plus £2.90 p&p by sending a UK cheque to the NNA at Boldre House, 5 Boldrewood Road, Southampton, SO16 7BW.

The winners from Poetry in Stitches 1 were as follows:

Professional class winner was Hawk in the Morning by Patrcia McLaughlin

Winner of the best amateur using one of the poems was She Walks in Beauty by Hillary Burton

Winner of best amateur was Barbara Deason with The Gate of the Year

The official information for the new contest can be found below:

National Needlework Archive Poems in the Waiting Room

Further to the enormous success of Poetry in Stitches 1 we now invite you to take part in

Poetry in Stitches 2

Do you have a favourite poem?

Interpret it as a textile picture [61cms x 61 cms (24” x 24”)] and we will exhibit as many as possible, in frames with their poems, in appropriate public venues. Any technique including quilting, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, lace etc. can be used.

Choose a poem and interpret it as a textile image.

The aim of this project is to promote two important cultural media and present them in an exciting new way to allow a new perception of each in relation to the other. Thousands of people will have the chance to see this literary and visual fusion in public galleries and hospitals.

At the end of the project you get your work back again.

Prizes for best Amateur and Professional entries.

Help us raise the profile of textile art in public places!

Enjoy reading some poems, and start stitching!

HHHH A Poetry in Stitches 2 booklet is available with pages of specially selected poems to give enjoyment and inspiration. We would love you to use a poem from this collection and an additional prize will be awarded for the best work using one of these poems. The booklet also gives helpful hints on mounting your work for exhibition.

Booklets are £2.50 incl. p&p. from the NNA. If you purchase a booklet £2.00 can subsequently be deducted from the Registration fee when you enter your work. HHHH

Closing date for Registrations: 9.11.2007 Work to be in by 7.12.07

National Needlework Archive, Boldre House, 5 Boldrewood Road

Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 7BW

The National Needlework Archive promotes contemporary textiles and has been exhibiting the lovely Oxford Panels, made by the Oxford branch of the Embroiderer’s Guild. This pair of beautiful silk panels can next be seen on the NNA stand at the Sewing for Pleasure Show at the NEC Birmingham from 29th March to 1st April 2007. The first picture is the Angel panel and the second is the Gargoyle.

After 40 years of trading, first in Petworth, and then in Arundel, David’s Needle Art (previously ‘David’s’) closed its doors on February 17^th 2007 when David Snellar and his business partner Beryl Randall retired. The shop will be greatly missed by sewing enthusiasts in the area.

‘David’s’ started life in 1967 as a general drapers store and developed over the years into a thriving needlework shop. The shop supplied haberdashery, knitting wools, tapestry needs, sewing machines and a very popular making up service. Long before e-sales, the shop had a thriving mail order service to the UK and overseas.

David and Beryl have given many old artefacts, catalogues, wool samples and threads to the NNA to be preserved or used in conservation work, and we are very grateful for this donation.

Regrettably, the lease on the Arundel shop has come to an end and David and Beryl are now determined to make the best of their retirement years. With plans for house renovation and travel with their respective families, we wish them both all the best for the years to come.