Five friendly ladies arrived for a relaxing day to stitch a collection of bowls.

The ideas stemmed from samples of attaching yarns to the edge of fabrics to create a decorative finish. Would it be possible to stitch yarn to yarn and make a fabric?

The students started by getting the feel of stitching yarn to yarn in straight lines before embarking on circular stitching. The start of the circular bowls is by far the hardest bit but unfortunately it is also the first process so this had to be accomplished before progressing onto making the base of the bowl and then shaping the stitching to create the sides.

When the bowl was large enough, it was time to work the machines by going over the work with layers of stitch, which helps to strengthen the created fabric. You can see from the photos the girls busy away at the stitching and their beautiful end results.

After a break for lunch the pace slowed down as the machines were given a well-earned rest and the hand bowls were created. Strips of fabric were torn and then woven together with thread to make chunkier bowls. The hardest decision was the choice of thread to go with the fabric. Should it tone or should it contrast?

A relaxing afternoon followed as the bowls grew and the conversation flowed.

All in all it was a very enjoyable day, where the ladies enjoyed themselves, created several pieces and had a good laugh.