The Consequences of Stitching

The details of  the July workshop at the Lytham St Annes Branch of the Embroiderers Guild, was the subject of much speculation and was all rather 'hush hush'. 
Of course, I was very intrigued and couldn't wait to find out what the Secret was, especially as I was given 'strict instructions' to sit down and sew and not attempt to take any photographs during the workshop as "there is no point anyway, until the end" - which was rather a relief actually as I am usually too busy snapping to get any sewing done :-) !

Members were asked to each bring a hoop no bigger than 6 inches and our needles and scissors. Thread and fabric to be provided.

We were given a piece of fabric with 4 squares marked out with a curved line running through all four.
The theme was Flowers and we had to sew the curved line in green as this was the stem. Once the stem was stitched we could do any floral or flower design that we wished.
A time limit of 20 minutes to sew each section was set, as there were 4 each to complete and our meetings are just 2 hours long with stitching only commencing once the business part of the meeting is attended to (we also need a break and a brew as stitching can be thirsty work!)
When "Time!" was called we had to hurriedly secure the last stitch, fold over and pin our section down so that it could not be seen by  the person sat next to us, who would stitch the 2nd part of the design.
We made sure to leave a long tail of green thread for the next stitcher.

Here are the results on the table during the BIG REVEAL. I have left the photo unedited as it can sometimes be fun to spot our own hands or identify which skirt/torso belongs to whom :-)

Although we felt a little stressed and rushed at first by the last section we could see that our stitching had become neater as we had relaxed and felt more calm.

The following are close ups of the completed sections which will be stitched together to make a long cloth or banner. Not sure if this will be portrait or landscape but shall post a photo the piece in due course.

Above, are the designs laid out on the Top Row Left. 

 Above, we have the Top Row to the 2nd Left and below are the pieces laid out on next to them 2nd from the Right.

 Here are the last pieces laid out on the Top Row to the Right.

Now for those on the Bottom Row to the Left, below.

 Above, we have the Middle Section of the Bottom Row and here below, those at the end to the Right Bottom Row.

We had some quite unique interpretations and fun designs. It is amazing how fast some people can stitch! Maybe years of embroidery experience have taught them to just get on with it and not worry about the 'consequences of their stitching!'

Despite a little stress and some tutting along the way, we were all happy to have had this experience and are looking forward to seeing the completed banner. A big thank you to our workshop leader and her assistant for thinking up this activity and preparing all the fabric pieces in advance.
One of the great things about this kind of activity is that there is no UFO to take home at the end! Whats not to love? :-)
It would make a nice activity for a Girly Night In or a Hen Party for those who have out grown clubbing, or perhaps teaching the youngsters how to sew. 
Grab some friends and see what the consequences are of your own stitching.