JANUARY/FEBRUARY MEETINGS - New Committee, Ecclesiastical Textiles, and Braiding

In January, we kicked off the year with our Annual General Meeting, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the Guild. With the appointment of our new chairman, Topsy, and several new committee members, we’re already feeling the energy of fresh ideas and enthusiasm that will guide us into 2025 and beyond.

In February, we were fortunate to have Fr. Andrew Johnson give a fascinating talk on Ecclesiastical Textiles. His insights into the use of fabric, tapestries, and cloth in churches were truly enlightening, shedding light on the cultural impact of textiles throughout history. Fr. Johnson also shared some valuable tips on taking commissions and the important considerations when designing for others—ideas that are sure to inspire and inform our members' creative processes.

More information can be found on the March newsletter. Apologies for missing February. We're working on getting a consistent schedule for the Newsletter, but we now need a new volunteer to collate articles and news from the guild. Interested? Please contact the committee at wsdstratford@gmail.com. This might be less work than you think. ;)

Looking ahead to March, we have a "Learn Together" session focused on braiding. Whether you bring your marudai, braiding cards, or inkle loom, it’s the perfect opportunity to share techniques and learn from one another in a relaxed, hands-on setting. We can’t wait to see what everyone creates!

Before I sign off, I’d like to take a moment to thank Anna, our previous chairman, for her years of dedicated service. Anna has gone above and beyond in her role, and we’re so grateful for all the hard work and passion she put into leading the guild.

Here's to another year of growth, learning, and creative inspiration!