The Tapissers
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 meet on a Thursday afternoon in the Village Hall, from 2.15 - 4.00 (check the website calendar for dates).
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
Our current project is 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!
We have no current project on the go at the moment but are considering a new project for the winter months. More on this when it develops further. Meanwhile we can be seen working on individual projects on a Thursday afternoon, fortnightly. We have stopped meeting until September. Our next meeting is Thursday, September 8th, 2011 at 2.15
