Sorry not to have seen you all at Eyelets. The future of Eyelets is very much in the balance at the moment. I cannot see how we can continue in the same way if the restrictions continue into the Autumn, however I will not make any final decisions until the EYES committee have met and until we know what the new normal will be like.
Jack has designed and made this cushion with Subaru Applique himself. The Camouflage Spy Hideout is also his with help from his Granma. Well Done Jack perhaps we’ll see you on Sewing Bee next.
Hilary has created this window art based on a book by Eric Carle. We wait for the flower to appear.
Below A Jelly Roll /Bosal rug stitched by Hilary G. 
Always on the lookout for a new ( to me ) idea I came across Sylvia Grayson’s stall where she was selling a pack to sew FUSIBLE THREAD APPLIQUE.
In the pack were two patterns, detailed instructions a reel of fusible thread and a mocrofiliment thread, all I needed were scraps of fabric to make the Dahlia.
I found the instructions very easy to follow and below is stage 1 of the large Dahlia pattern ironed on to a backing fabric.
Having pressed the pattern onto its backing fabric it then needs top stitching to fasten it down securely. Sylvia used a satin stitch to complete her design but my skills were not up to this so I used other embroidery stitches to embellish the design.
Below. Stage 2 of my project, the backing fabric is trimmed and the Dahlia ready for the next stage. I think I might add beads or other embellishments before attaching the Dahlia to its final backing fabric.
I found the fusible thread easy to work with and am already planning other applique projects where I will use it.
Helen M has completed a Peter Rabbit quilt for her grandsons second birthday. Above a close up of the blocks shows the intricate design of the fabrics.
Hilary has sent this wonderful Barbie’s Bedroom created by a member of EYELETS during lockdown.
Another EYELETS creation Hilary sent the group crafting ideas three members have responded so far.
These two newest members to EYELETS have made scrub bags and donated them to the local group of For the Love of Scrubs. Well done everything is much needed and gratefully accepted.
Above Hilary’s own work (as well as sewing scrubs!!) a rag book for Milo.
For the first two weeks of lockdown I was occupying myself finishing my handbag and encouraging my granddaughter to take part in the textileartist.org weekly community stitch challenge. My granddaughter Bridget completed week 3 of the stitch challenge (see below)
However I have been thoroughly occupied sewing scrubs for the NHS for the local group of For The Love of Scrubs. Armed with fabrics bought from Emma at Knit and Stitch, Cottingham I set forth on Wednesday 15th April and have managed to complete 3 sets. I just missed the collection date of 22nd April so have given myself the target of completing a fourth set all to be collected on Wednesday 29th April. The group based in Bransburton are working flat out organising this venture.
Click on the link above to find out more.
I have found this time of self- isolating has been quite productive. I have a daughter who insists on shopping for me and that has left me free to play, it seems. I am in constant touch with my Hull Art Circle and we are all encouraging each other, daily.
Below two finished pieces that I am ready to show. Mostly I have been being ‘arty’, ie; drawing and painting.
1. Chinese/Japanese dragon in the padded style they often use for winter coats. Mostly handsewn.
2. Applique sunflower I made to hang in my front window – hence the wording
Hilary has been busy making scrubs and scrub bags for NHS staff. She even had time to use her scraps to make two mini sets of scrubs.
Val has crocheted these charming book marks , a request from her daughter-in-law, they went to nieces as an Easter present. Like most families, this year, they were unable to get together for Easter.
Val’s video session with her granddaughter this week was to teach her chicken stitch, the squares provide a ready made guide.
Update about Grosvenor Shows
You might have heard about our decision to postpone The Festival of Quilts to 2021, and unfortunately this means the work shortlisted for the exhibition will no longer be shown at the NEC this summer. However, we do still plan to host The Knitting & Stitching Shows in the autumn where the Fine Art Textiles Award will take pride of place among the Textile Galleries.
Val W has been online baking with her granddaughter.
A lunch break and then scones.
The Festival of Quilts NEC Birmingham 2020 Birmingham 2020
Postponed to August 2021.
Val W has finished her big project.
Carol, her rabbits are now very fashionably dressed. A UFO project now completed.
Maureen has completed a quilt cover and pillowcase set. She has also knitted a giraffe bookmark.
![image0[736]](https://eyes-embroidery.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/image0736.jpg)
![image1[737]](https://eyes-embroidery.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/image1737.jpg)
Many of us are facing the challenge of being distanced from our grandchildren and wanting to help keep them occupied at this difficult time. This is my effort to enthuse my granddaughters.
Above my response to textile artist.org community challenge week 1.
Whilst stitching this project my mind wandered, my project reflects these wanderings.
The first square began simply as an exercise in straight stitch but the colours and pattern reminded me of the sunsets I can see from my conservatory. Thus this square developed into the view beyond my window.
Beyond my window and into my garden and daffodils. To me Easter and daffodils are synonymous. I was taken back to last year when we were able to take a trip out to Farndale.
The penguin is a Gentu penguin. In February/March of this year I was lucky (it turns out, more about that later) to have cruise with my husband and four friends around South America. Tales of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia had sparked my imagination since childhood. On the cruise we visited the Falkland Islands and took a trip to Bluff Cove. Here we saw hundreds of Gentu penguins undergoing their annual moult. The ranger told us that the old feathers are no longer waterproof and so new ones are grown. The adult penguins have to wait this time out sitting on the bare bluff for around 3 months. Ring any bells ? 
I am very fortunate to have a wide vista from my back garden and often spend time watching birds flying over the field behind. I was watching two buzzards last week when it was windy. They seemed to be having a great time soaring in the updrafts and diving down somersaulting on their way. I could almost feel their freedom and enjoyed this with them. Again I was taken to my cruise and the seabirds I saw out on the open Atlantic and Pacific gliding across the tops of the waves.
I have enjoyed the challenge and whilst Granddaughter number 1 , age 15 did not complete challenge 1 she has asked for fabrics for challenge number 2.
Below is the piece completed by Granddaughter number 2
I thank the Post Office and postal workers for enabling me to send the required materials through the post. I can just squeeze enough in a 1st class letter size!
Footnote and Why my cruise turned out lucky.
On 5th of March 2020 I, my husband and four friends debarked the Coral Princess in San Antonio Chile having had a wonderful 14 day cruise. Covid 19 was a constant phantom but hygiene on the ship was paramount with constant reminders of hand washing and coughing in our sleeves.
We flew home to what we knew was a worsening global situation.
The Coral Princess left Chile for the return cruise due to arrive in Buenos Aires on the 19th of March. Unfortunately the pandemic had changed the world and as they left the Falklands the cruise was unable to call at the last two ports of call before Buenos Aires. Further attempts to berth and unload passengers were thwarted as South America also had to close down to visitors.
The ship had to make the decision to return to the USA , finally arriving in Miami on Friday 3rd April where unfortunately by this time passengers had become ill with Covid 19. Around 200 British were on the ship and are being repatriated as their health and available flights dictate.
I am sure we are all glad to hear that friends and family will be coming home and we must thank the Captain and every member of the crew who navigated this ship back safely.
Week 3 of textileartist.org Community stitch Challenge
Emma Tull
Deborah has completed a set off Traffic Light blankets for Calderdale Hospital Prem Baby Unit.
Red is for very sick babies enabling them to be identified quickly on the ward amber and green as per traffic lights.
EAST YORKSHIRE EMBROIDERY SOCIETY (EYES) 