---

---

They've arrived! See the completed Pew Cushions all now complete! - sit a while in comfort in the peace and quiet of our beautiful Church.

This is a group which formed itself following work undertaken on a collective basis for St. Swithuns Church in Littleham. A number of projects were completed, under the guidance of, in particular, the late Mariel Stapledon (see below), who had designed many of the earlier projects. These can be seen in the Church and include; Communion Kneelers, and Wedding Kneelers. The Nave Kneelers were a project she undertook with the whole Village, working with 8 - 80 year olds.

Our later work for the Church, a Banner (designed by Graham Haddrell) and Millennium Rug, and matching Altar Frontal(designed by Pat Haddrell) were completed just before Mariel died. Although towards the end of her life, failing eyesight prevented her sewing, she was still very much an influential part of our group.

Mariel Stapledon

A core group was formed and began to meet on a fortnightly basis to do individual work of a craft nature, as well as joint projects. We have been meeting on Thursday afternoons in the Village Hall, from 2.15 - 4.00. Our next meeting will be on Thursday March 8th. However, our day will change to Tuesday after that, so the following meeting will be Tuesday April 18th 2017 at the same time as previously (check the website calendar for dates).

We will be starting a new project shortly which will be cushions for the pews in St Swithun's. They will be done in Tapestry work set into material. If you think you might like to participate in this come along and join us to hear more about the project.

If you would like to join us, either to work or just see what we are doing, it is relaxed and fun, and if you want to learn something new, there will always be someone who can teach you, and you will get a cup of tea!

  Detail of the Altar Frontal in The Lady Chapel          The Milenium Rug and Altar Frontal

We produced a hanging for the Village Hall. The theme is based on activities in the Hall and Community. Individuals were able to use their individual ideas and chosen embroidery technique. The result is a sensational mix of styles and designs.  It is now hanging in it's permanent position, and much admired it has been so far. To see it you will have to come to one of the many functions we have coming up. Our hall is going to be seeing several transformations this year and The Hanging is a part of this. Let us know what you think of the Hanging by clicking here.

Some comments so far:

"Love the Hanging - Well done!"- Lin C, Littleham

"The tapistry is fantastic!"- Dave T, Littleham

"Very good. Love the Late John at the Fete" - Alan W, Bideford

January, 2010

In January we started our next project, which was something quite different. We made a Story-Bag, which will be given a 'home' in The Children's Corner in St Swithuns, but will be used in any of the Parish Churches as appropriate.

The theme is Noah's Ark (the Ark being the bag). We knitted animals in the form of finger puppets and stuffed toys to join Mr and Mrs Noah in the Ark.

The Ark was completed with Mr and Mrs Noah and a whole collection of animals. It was dedicated to St Swithun's at the Patronal Festival service on July 18. However, it's still not too late for more animals to join 'The Cruise'. So get knitting, sewing or crocheting.

Here it is, and it's a real favourite with the children especially the Green Froggy Handpuppets!

July 2012:  We have started work on our latest project, cushions for the pews in St Swithun's Church. This is probably our largest individual project to date. Each cushion measures 60"x14" and will have canvas work tops which will be completed by each person. There are 15 in all. This is going to be a long term project for our willing individuals.

The design is based on the ceiling above the pews, which has panels of stencilled motifs. I have taken the idea of two tile designs and a panel depicting ivy, which is a traditional symbol in Christian Faith. The canvas work has a variety of stitches with the main background being done in tent stitch. For colours I have selected some of those that feature in the kneelers in the body of the Church.

Detail of the cushion top showing a tile design. The dark areas of stitching are done with an 'upright cross'	Detail showing some of the ivy leaf design on the left worked in tent stitch. The dark gold border is worked in 'half cushion
Detail showing outer border and border around the ivy leaf panel in red. This is a 'double cross' stitch.

There are a number of cushions now complete. They will be dedicated in July (more details to follow). In the meantime here is a photo of one.

Towards the end of 2016 we made some Felt Poppies. Initially this was to be an individual corsage for Armastice Day. We then decided to combine our efforts into a Wreath. This can now be seen in the Porch of St Swithun's Church, hanging below the memorial stone.