Diana, the leading light of the Broiderers group of Guelph, is leaving us in the middle of December. She has been our leader for longer than five years during which time we have not only retained our members but acquired a fair number of new ones. Our meetings have always been well attended because we all enjoyed the social atmosphere fostered by Diana, as well as getting some stitching done. Diana’s husband endured a long illness and died nearly two years ago. She has been busy with all the business and legal work that has to be done plus sorting and emptying their house. She is returning to live in England where all the rest of her family live. The group got together and made her a mini quilt in remembrance of all the good years we have spent together. We each embroidered a small design on three square inches of fabric and Josie, who is also a quilter, assembled it into a personalized panel that will remind Diana of us all.
We are also blessed with a professional photographer living in our village. With a population of well over 1000 residents, we have many who have useful skills. His wife, Joan, also happens to be a member of the group. Here are some close-ups and introductions to our members
The square on the top left was stitched by another Diana who is a textile artist. She uses hand and machine stitching plus embellishment techniques to express herself. To the right, Pat used ribbons to bring the flowers to life. Maureen used her favorite Turkey stitch. She created a squirrel with a large, bushy tail using Turkey stitch so she is a Turkey expert. The last one is mine using some of the spring flowers I developed. Daffodils, crocus, forget me knots, tulips plus a few snowdrops.
Joan says it all with a Heart and Peace on Earth as does Christina with Thanks for being a Friend. Mary created a cameo with flowers. Mary is our resident expert on Bullion Knots I am sure that there are some in her bouquet. It was Pat who made the knitted doll Patsy in the last blog. She writes, Best wishes for a wonderful life in England. Love and Friendship
Marguerite loves stitching crewel designs and her piece is reminiscent of crewelwork. Lilian’s bluebirds are pouring tea for Diana with something delicious on the side. Frances contributed a large and perfect tulip. I am/you are, unable to read the words inside the tulip petals but they are memories of the multiple years she and Diana have been friends. Edna also celebrated English tea time with lovely gold and blue cup and saucer
The lower right foursome features a Canadian Maple Leaf with Bon Voyage from Ruth. Bev hosted the farewell event with everyone having some together time with Diana while maintaining Covid distancing. Her embroidery is a butterfly angel. Josie also thought of teatime which is a feature of our weekly meetings as is doing a lot of talking. Last, but, not least, please meet Betty. She is our oldest member and is our Tea Granny. She has made the tea for us for years but Christina has taken it over recently. Thank you Betty. We have all appreciated every cup you have made for us.
It was Marguerite who organized this and us. Thank you, Marg! We are happy with what you achieved.
We wish Diana a safe flight and a smooth landing in England. She will be there just in time for Christmas. We hope that Covid avoids her and that the spring in England will be particularly beautiful this year. We also hope that she will continue to circulate the jokes and memorabilia that we all enjoy and will keep in touch with us.
Wishing you a Happy Travelling and a Blissful New Year. You will be missed.
If you have a creative suggestion for this blog, please tell me about it. Ann