Meeting 19 July 2008

• It was a print and dye session . Lovely messy time

• Liz Lumb had dyed some wool and offered some for sale at the group

• Chris showed anew book on beading titled' Beading Floral'

• Shirley showed her exhibition piece for Knitting and Stitching show

Meeting 22 June 2008

Click here to see display of dolls

Meeting April 20 2008

• Current challenges; Dolls in boxes and altered Barbie dolls

• Chris has finished a doll !!!!

• We welcome Geri from Harrogate

• there will be an open day on June 22 as Sheila is visiting from Canada. We will have a fuddle and invite embroiderer's to visit. Please bring dolls to show

• There are enough funds to get an embellishing machine. Members will contribute a fee when they use it

• There is a request for a workshop on dyeing the next meeting

Meeting January 19 2008

• Chris gave details of a class by Jan Horrox to be held at the Silver Thimble for April 19/20

info@thesilverthimble.co.uk

www.jan-horrox.com

• Also new pattern by Alison Marano acquired for the group

• The tree class continued with some members wiring the branches and others making felt

Next meeting 17 February

Meeting November 10

• A challenge for next year will be based on a bottle

• Chris brought books to share and Tracie and Sheila brought material

• We made Father Xmas today

• Chris gave more details about the trees for next meeting. Black wadding works well to wrap the tree branches. Chris gets it form Hannah's room. You can make any shape ranging form short and stumpy to tall and slender

• Judith Johnson popped in to say hallo

• There are proposals to  have an exhibition on 2008/9 maybe based on mermaids

• Next meeting there will be a fuddle and angel competition

Meeting October 21

• Chris's presentation went down well and she has also given a talk at the Regional Embroiderer's Guild meeting

• Helen brought goodies from the Quilter's Guild bring and by sale for us . Contributions are going to the new centre in York

• Chris brought some pencils by Lyra that are skin tones

• Next month we will be making a father xmas in the same way as the snowmen. Sew scraps of red fabric onto red felt or bumf: Click here for details

• Chris is starting a tree project and wants to experiment with us. There will be felt making in December, so need to get wool tops in chosen colour. Let Chris know if you want to take part Click here to see details

• There is a competition for the December meeting; to make the most bizarre interpretation for an angel from the pattern demonstrated by Elaine

Next meeting Saturday 10 November

Meeting September 23

• Chris showed us the presentation she has made from the photoshoot last month
• She will make a CD for us all

• Chris demonstrated nuno felt making today. Great exercise for those participating

• Others got on with their own things

Next meeting Sunday 21 October

Meeting August 19

• Chris brought in her face moulds and clay so some of us had another play day

• Members brought in dolls for a photo shoot. Chris is giving a talk on what we do in the group

• Celia Ankers kindly sent fabric as a donation from Dorothy Boothman

• Chris circulated patterns brought from funds. She fancies the Queen Bee pattern. I wonder why?!!!!!

• Dates for  then next meetings will be decided and members informed by email and will be put on the web site

Meeting July 12

• Chris has finished a doll!!!! Her Jude swap for Pauline 

• New patterns have been bought from 'doll makers journey'

• Clarification of EASY doll challenge

  Material can be mottled with dominant one colour

  Not batik or space dyed with variable colours

  Can embellish in variegated thread in elected colour

• Sue Galloway brought a triptic she had done form the Tyvek she made last meeting: See her Gallery page

• Shenagh came with her Jamaican doll and Colleen had been busy with daisy chain stitching

Meeting June 16

• Played with Friendly Plastic, Tivek, Nappy liners

• Made chiffon beads and paper towel beads

Meeting May 20

• Chris introduced some new challenges

  Easy ; colours picked out of hat: can make doll out of any pattern but must include the two colours chosen and one of the following-white/black/silver/gold. Can use a skin tone where appropriate

  Hard; pick a picture e.g character from book or magazine, and reproduce it in 3D

  Quirky: Eggs on legs-Chris supplies legs

• Judith provided patterns for the group after her trip

• Helen provided a bag of bits

• 'Linus'-charity wants pieces of fabrics for quilting supplies

• Next meeting we will play with 'friendly' plastic

  Please bring bowl or flat tray to heat plastic- something about 9" wide

  and a heat gun if you have one

Sheila will become an overseas member when she moves back to Canada

Next meeting June 16

Meeting April 21

• It was a do it yourself day

• The rest of the Judes were swapped and Mary and Colleen brought dolls to show

• Shenagh brought a doll she had bought in Jamaica and Judy and Shirley brought their cute dolls

• Apologies form Chris as she was poorly

• Sue GAlloway brought a fairy doll book to show ands Shirley had PAttie Culea's new book

• Elaine gave details of Terrington Craft day on 28 June and the Priory  PAtchworkers are having an exhibition in Selby Abbey 26-28 May

Next meeting May 20

Meeting March 18 2007 Mother's day

• Shirley has finished Pat's Doll in bag Swap . Called Peaches and Cream

• Lynn Porter kindly donated her doll making bit and pieces and books. She no longer is making dolls

• Chris showed us some needle felted dolls. Wool and other fibres can be felted directly onto stuffed dolls. Useful for dolls with lumpy stuffing

• Chris also showed new patterns for the group she had bought from group funds

• Swaps were made for Jude Dolls: Tina and Judy swapped their dolls, Pauline and Eileen had completed theirs for Chris

• A discussion was held about the possibility of an exhibition at Pocklington Arts centre next year. Will be explored in more detail next meeting as to details of sharing cost, what dolls to make and selling of dolls

• The group made dolls in a day in a 'Spring' theme. one member started a doll and then it was passed round for others to finish

Meeting February 17 2007

• Boss was away again; had double booked herself

• The dolls were shown from the heart swap; click here to see

• Helen, and Sue Galloway and Eileen brought dolls to show and Marlene brought one made by her daughter aged 12. The group agreed to invite her to visit.

Made by Marlene's granddaughter

• Shenagh and Helen also brought wools and bits and pieces to share.

• Judy brought her Pot Pokes from Australia that she had in an internet swap

• See the What's New page for next months meeting challenge

Next meeting 18th March 2007

Meeting January 21 2007

• A new year again. i.e  Chris was after subs money for the year.
• Best wishes are sent to Ruth who will not be joining us this year and to Pat who we hope to see later

• Shenagh shared with us her altered book made from Xmas cards
• Helen brought some magazines for the group including copies of 'Selvage'
• Sue Galloway showed us her felted bag. It was knitted first and then put in the washing machine! She also had a very old copy of 'Woollcraft' which allowed some to reminisce.

• Chris was testing out her pattern today to see if it can be made in a day as she is having a workshop at the WI. Betty was the guinea pig

• February meeting is the heart challenge
• The March meeting will be to make a doll in a day . It will be based on a big pin doll pattern. People are to bring embellishments and fabrics to reflect 'Spring'

Next meeting February 17

Meeting December 9 2006

• We had our Christmas get together and party lunch. Some of us had festive headgear. Some members could not be present due to unexpected circumstances. They were not forgotten

• We also swapped the doll that we had made for each other.
• Pauline, Colleen and Eileen brought dolls to show.
• There is going to be a challenge for the February meeting to make a doll with a heart
• Some members are going to make dolls for a swap. It will be based on the pattern 'Jude' by designed by Jill Maas

Meeting November 12 2006

• Two dolls were brought to show by Marlene and Chris

• Chris didn't stay long as she was going bowling again. Hope she doesn't get slattered again.

• Helen kindly brought in some super fabrics to share

• So the rest of us got on with doll making and beading and playing with our sewing machines.
   
• For the next meeting in December we are going to have a fuddle to go with the doll swap. So can members bring a small plate of either savoury or sweat goodies for lunch time. Bring along a glass if you don't want to drink some bubbly ( strictly non alcoholic) out of your mug.

• Shirley suggested a lucky dip so bring a small wrapped gift of no more than £2-3

• Festive dress or adornment as well.

• Next challenge is for a doll on the theme of a heart for February meeting

Next meeting December 9

Meeting October 21 2006

• Several dolls were brought for the wooden spoon challenge. Click here to view
• Members did their own thing for the day.  The next challenge for February meeting will be to make a 'Heart Doll'

Next meeting November 12

Meeting September 30

• Then group had a diversion today doing beading

Picture of work by Marlene Walker

• The remainder of the doll swap took place

• Membership is growing. The number will be capped at 26. Visitors are always welcome to visit the group

• Article about the group was in 'Collect it' August 2006 edition

Meeting August 19 2006

• Malton Show went well and very positive comments about the dolls.

• It was decided that there should be a mini challenge for next meeting. To make a doll from a wooden spoon.

• Chris gave a demonstration of how to stuff

• For those members who want to there will be a diversion next meeting into beading. Chris showed us a necklace she had made using
  No 11 Seed beads   20gr
  No 11 Delicas        8gr
   
  3mm fire polished crystals     30
  4mm fire polished crystals  16
   
  Nymo beading thread to match colour scheme
  Beading needle
  Clasp - could be magnetic or lobster claw or screw up barrel - must be slim to fit under large bead
   
  Works best if there is contrast between the beads either in colour or texture (shiny/matte)
   
  If we can co-ordinate and use the same supplier then we can reduce postage and packing i.e. send in one large order and just pay postage and packing once.

• Pauline and Judy had dolls to show which are on their gallery pages

• . Other discussion included recommended book for reading; Victoria Hislop: The Island

• As an aside for those with sheltered upbringings: the game ' What time is it ; Mr Wolf was explained!!

Meeting July 23 2006

• This meeting we we brought the bags for our next challenge. Sue Goudry co-ordinated the swap. We all brought a bag made out of a fat quarter of calico, a fat quarter of fabric, pattern and embellishments. These were then drawn by ticket. The doll has to be completed by December meeting.

• The person who donated the bag will get the doll back. 50-75% of materials must be used and the maker can add 25% of their own products. The maker keeps anythign left over. The pattern can be adapted if the maker wishes

• Chris will be a mentor for problems. 4 extra are taking part and they will swap in September

• Chris collected dolls for the show at Scampston next Sunday

• Before lunch Chris completed her face tutorial

• Most of the group made dragon flies after lunch

• Next meeting will be a do your own thing meeting although Chris made give a stuffing lesson

Next meeting August 19 2006

Meeting June 17 2006

• Boss was away so a small group of us did our own thing

• Rosemary and Anne were welcomed as new members

Next meeting July 23 Sunday

Meeting May 21 2006

• Boss didn't do well at bowling. Said her team 'got slotted'.

• The first dolls arrived for the painting challenge. Also some snowmen, a Maori doll and Geos we displayed. See What's new for details

• Chris carried on teaching how to do 'Flynn's' Head. She will finish this at the July meeting

• Next group challenge was discussed:
• For the July meeting we are to bring a fat quarter of fabric and a pattern. It is to be put in a bag made from a fat quarter of calico.  There will then be a lucky dip and each person will make a doll out of the pattern and fabric they have pulled out. This is to be ready for the December meeting.

• In July we will divert to making a dragon fly: Made from beads, wire and fancy thread

• Next meeting on June 17 will be a do it yourself day.

Meeting on April 22 2006

Meeting on March 19 2006

• This meeting had the grand unveiling of the round robin doll known by the alternative of 'Body in the bag' challenge. Elaine will bring hers to the next meeting. Chris had also made up the doll separately

• Chris did painted and sculptured faces for those wanting to hone and improve their skills. She will progress to demonstrating Flynn style face at the May meeting

• Challenge for the May meeting will be to make a doll inspired by a painting. Copy of painting to come with  doll

• Malton show has invited the group to demonstrate and show at the next event. This is held at Scampston. Date to be confirmed. There will then be a class for competition next year

• Shirley bought some patterns for the group; The Black Dragon, Country Friends, Simply Nantuchels, Kate, Meme quilts.

• Tracie showed a pattern that she and Sheila had made on holiday. Don't  go anywhere without their sewing machine!!

Next meeting April 22nd Saturday

Meeting on February 18 2006

• Elaine Huberry gave a demonstration of 'Encoustic Art' which is based on applying melted wax crayons to card and fabric.
• Chris Beavers gave a demonstration of felt making to the newer members so they can go on to complete their African dolls

• March meeting: Flat painted faces and needle sculpted faces
• April meeting: Sculptural faces with lycra skins
• May meeting: Trapunto faces

Shirley Smith is expanding her skills into polymer clay so will give a demonstration later in the year.

Plain cotton lycra can be bought from fabric shop in Scarborough and from Whaleys in Bradford.

See www.hickoryhollowprimitives.com/sitters.html for illustrations

• York Dolly Birds is getting known on the internet sites now. Contact from Judy Skeel who does a newsletter in the US called APWPWD ( Association for people who play with doll) and it was agreed that a synopsis can be sent for information about the group.
• Pepper Hume in the US is involved in an International Doll exhibition in Houston. Email photos of dolls are requested. Details can be found at www.dollworx.com There is a charge for entering of $25 for two entries

.

Challenge for next meeting will be to decorate a wool bobbin.

Next meeting will unveil the 'Body in the bag' round robin dolls

Next meeting March 19 Sunday

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Meeting on January 28 2006

• First formal meeting of the York dolly Birds and Dolly Mixtures. 'Mixtures' are happy to become 'birds'. everyone can now come to all the meetings
• Chris collected subs so be prepared for the next meeting if you haven't paid.

• The round robin challenge , 'Body in the Bag', is nearly complete. Dolls to be embellished and finished for the March meeting. Can members bring embellishment for Elaine's doll in brown/blue colours for the next meeting in February

• The challenge launched at the meeting is for an internet challenge run by ' Doll Crafter and Costuming' . Dolls to be finished by the February 18th meeting

• Sheila Aggett donated some wool which is suitable for felting and Betty Stary donated ready made dolls clothes.

• Colleen showed us her altered books. See her on gallery page

• Chris showed us new books by Bridgett Krag Hanson called 'New Felt' and 'Pixie felting' Fantastic illustrations of felted creatures and animals

• We are having a diversion for the February 18th meeting. We will be experiencing 'encaustic art' So please bring the following: Calico, wax crayons, an abused iron, shiny backs of old cards. Don't buy anything. There will be plenty to share who haven't got the supplies or forget to bring them.

• For those into local dialects: new word for today-'femma'( Web master thinks that's the spelling) meaning frail or thin

Next meeting February 18th Saturday

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Meeting on November 20 2005

• The round robin challenge is now getting to its final stages. The next round is putting the doll together and making the face. Can members bring embellishment for Elaine's doll in brown/blue colours for the next meeting.

• Blue men and green men were discussed!! Apparently blue men live in Scotland under the sea.

• Dolls under construction shown this meeting included Betty's 'African doll' , Chris showed her 'twig' doll she has made stemming form her internet class by Pamela Hastings., Shirley Smith showed a face she is needle sculpting for her 'purple doll' challenge based on a polystyrene ball.

• Judy and Helen brought finished dolls which are on the gallery page.

• The City of York Embroiderer's exhibition for June 2006 was discussed and we will exhibit the 'Round Robin' dolls there.

• We are joining with our sister group next year for meetings.

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• Plans were discussed as to future meetings of the group. Ideas put forward included having themed days by request. one idea was to explore more sophisticated ways of doing faces.

• The round robin dolls were exchanged and it is legs for the next meeting.

• The meeting in November will be based on 'Altered Books' theme.

• The proposed quilt will be discussed in January.

• Next meeting November 20

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Meeting on July 24 2005

• The round robin doll is progressing and heads and bodies were passed on. Arms are needed for the next meeting. Makers can be creative with limbs as to how they see the doll posed.

• For the November meeting we are going to do an altered book with a doll theme. Need to get old book to alter and find papers, threads etc.

• The Terrington Textile Group is meeting on September 22 and there will be a workshop on 'squash book'.

• Next meeting is scheduled for September 4th and at the moment will be at York St John College but may be changed.

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Meeting on May 22 2005

• The heads were swapped for the 'round robin ' doll. There were differing views on how the project will progress and ideas that will be generated. It will be interesting to see the finished project as each doll is going to be very different.

• Shirley brought a dragon pattern to the group. She is a member of a chat site that is making dragons and she asked if we would be interested in making it as well. It is designed on a pattern by Pam Grose. See links page for contact.

• Chris has bought with the groups funds some lycra fabric from USA . Used for stretching over sculpted faces and also needed for dragon. Expensive for postage and packaging feeds. Members asked to source the lycra fabric from the UK. It was suggested that shops that make dance costumes may be a source.

• Banner still under development

• Some of the group had a demonstration by Chris on how to make an armature for a doll

• On line workshops were discussed. Those of our group who participate find them useful for leaning new techniques. Some are more active than others.

• Next meeting July 24

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Meeting on March 20 2005

• It was an enthusiastic day for the felt makers. Chris had most of the group exercising their biceps to make felt bags. Several others were starting new projects or completing their dolls.

• The group quilt was discussed. Everyone had some idea for the letter they were doing. Chris and Helen are going to get together to plan the overall design: colours etc.

• The next challenge will be to make a doll from a pattern without any instructions or picture. We will make it as a 'round robin' doll where we all make a part and pass onto the next member of the group.