Mark Francis

 We were slightly concerned that people wouldn’t come to our September meeting, as it was only a couple of days after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll had died.  In the event the attendance was very good and at lunchtime we had a minute’s silence in respect. This month’s competition was patchwork or quilted wearables, and we had an interesting set of entries. 

There was everything from coats, waistcoats, dresses, skirts, hats and knickers!  The winner was the gorgeous hexagon coat which was made by Paula.  The next competition will be a children’s quilt, so get sewing! 

Our speaker was Mark Francis, from ‘Sewing Bee’ fame.  He was a very amusing speaker, who brought some of his favourite ‘Sewing Bee’ garments, plus a behind the scenes view and extra gossip about Esmeralda and Patrick! 

Mark reassured us that he has had the same experience as lots of us in buying fabric from the internet and finding it not quite what you had thought.  This fabric looked a completely different colour and quality, although it looks fine to me. 

This garment was a challenge to make a garment from a tablecloth.  I think it’s pretty successful. 

Here is a very attractive track suit top.  

And here is a made to measure challenge to make a tea dress.  Great fabric. 

The bad news is that Kathleen Laurel Sage has had to cancel her talk for the next meeting.  She (and we) hope she can rebook in the future.  We will look to find another speaker.  See you in November.