SHOP OF SKILLS

The 'Shop of Skills' will be housed in a large marquee in Portland Street, Swansea for the 13th and 14th August. There will be 13 sets of skills on offer including Sashiko, Canvas Work and Cutting Fabric with a soldering iron. All the artists for these three workshops are local people and members of either the Swansea Branch of the Embroiderer's Guild or Swansea Quilters.

There is a workshop on canvas work. - not the work that looks similar to tapestry weaving, or needlepoint, petit point or Bargello work, but an alternative 'look' for the technique as shown in the two diverse samples Fiona has created. She has used a variety of threads including the metallic iridescent paper used different thicknesses of thread as well as differing types of stitch and then included sequins.

This lovely sample includes beads, sequins, bugles as well as french knots and again a variety of different threads and colours. The workshop is available on Saturday 13th August both from 10-2 and from 2-4. As we have said there are only three participants per workshop so there will be plenty of support if you want to learn a new skill. All the materials will be provided and you can just come along Saturday morning - early - to book your space.

Margaret Davies has been a member of Swansea Embroiderer's Guild for twenty five years and especially enjoys wielding her soldering iron to make filigree shapes including flowers that she then puts around mirror frames or adds to her greetings cards.

You can see how she has cuts a section from the organza fabrics to make a panel to apply to a cushion. This unusual technique will be great fun to learn and Margaret will be available on Saturday morning from 10 -12, so again come along early to book your place.

Sashiko is Japanese textile technique done with simple hand stitching and is apparently almost therapeutic in its simplicity. Pat Phillips will be taking this mini workshop on both Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th both from 10 -12 and 2- 4 and again all the materials and equipment will be provided.

We have 10 other mini workshops on offer at the Shop of Skills - more details to follow. Most importantly you will need to come and book your place on the day!