The Witwatersrand Embroidery Guild holds inaugural market in Linden
The charming event saw stitchers both young and old gather to admire various pieces and hopefully entice new members into joining.
Hilary Walker proudly displayes two of her magnificent pieces which were on show during the event. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
The Witwatersrand Embroiderers Guild held its inaugural market in Linden to celebrate the community and display beautiful works of art created by talented stitchers.
The most striking piece on display, titled ‘Through the eye of the needle’, is a frieze composed of individual pieces stitched during the lockdown.
Danny Whimpey and Diane Walker pose in front of the frieze, ‘Through the eye of the needle’ which comprises various individual pieces created during lockdwon and painstakently sewn together. Photo: Emily Wellman BainOne of the most striking pieces was this Covid-19 submission for the frieze, a mask incorporated into embroidery with skulls and a vector of the virus done by Lynn Puttick. Photo: Emily Wellman BainTwo cross-stitch dogs in a tiny frame were on sale by guild member Laura Tyrer. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
The massive project took Jenni Langford over 60 hours to complete and was a reflection of individual artists’ experience under lockdown. The Covid-19 pandemic saw the community unable to regularity meet for the first time since its inception in 1978.
A vibrant display of thread art showcasing many different styles of embroidery which were enjoyed by all who attended the successful event. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain.A Kingfisher that is brilliantly and deftly sewn by a talented embroiderer, was also on display. Photo: Emily Wellman BainLaura Tyrer lives in Linden and had several pieces on display and for sale at the market. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain.
The guild’s oldest member is 101 with young children learning the craft from parents or grandparents. Laura Tyrer joined the guild in 2015 after first picking up a needle and thread when she was only six.
“I prefer to do more freehand stitching and often design my own pieces like the small Jacaranda tree on display.”
A lovely ‘thread painting’ by Laura Tyrer shows excuisite detail in this small nature scene. Photo: Emily Wellman BainFloral themes are very popular in all embroidery styles, as seen here in this cheerful and masterfully executed panel. Photo: Emily Wellman BainTwo of Laura Tyrers displays, a Jacaranda tree and scenic view. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain
Danny Wimpey, chair of the guild said, “We are always hoping for new members to join us and grow our community. Some members are obviously very skilled after decades of practice, but new stitchers are so important too, and it’s a joy to watch them develop their passion and skill in this timeless hobby.”
Meetings are held on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday mornings with a nominal fee of R300 for the year and includes some light refreshments.
Jenni Langford spent over 60 hours creating this beautiful frieze compiled by individual pieces made by embroiderers duirng the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Emily Wellman Bain.
Visit www.embroidery.org.za to learn more about the guild or email Wimpey at witsembroidery@gmail.com
