Work in progress at the Oxford children's group

Several of the children's baby bonnets have now been completed. This one was made by Sian Stevens, and is modelled by baby Juliana di Falco.

Work has now started on hand-quilted sleeping bags. The one below, made by Daniella Stevens, shows a beautiful, very simple Madonna and Child design. 

 Sleeping bags by Sian Stevens, Bridget Auty and Daniella Stevens

Smocking bonnets

Work continues on the smocked baby bonnets. Barbara brought two of her own designs to show the group.

Barbara has added beads to the green smocking on the left for a heavier, sparklier effect. This technique works particularly well on clothes intended for adults.

There is an important social aspect to the meetings.

Dominic Auty, Isabelle, Katherine, Francesca and Jacob Stevens enjoy a chat over a cup of tea

For smaller children and those not interested in joining in the sewing, we are lucky to have books and crafts supplied by Marion Joyce.

Margarita Grimer, Dorothea Shaw and Teresa Grimer take a break from their sewing

The first session at St Anthony of Padua church hall

In Michaelmas Term 2010 we moved to St Anthony of Padua church hall in Headington. It's much easier to teach two groups here, as the room can be divided into two with a partition down the centre. Above, some of the younger group making chalice veils with the help of Emma Stevens; the older group, led by Barbara Williams, making smocked baby bonnets.

Completed needle cases

By the end of summer 2010, several beautiful needle cases embellished with drawn threadwork had been completed.

Cushion covers

This is a sample of the children's first completed project: cushion covers with applique work.



Marie Lewin with her exquisitely appliqued and embroidered cushion.

The Guild at Lucy Shaw's house

Lucy's very full dining room!

Bridget Auty, Marie Lewin and Daniella Stevens making cushion covers at one of the first meetings of the Guild.



The younger group hard at work making chalice veils.