LMS banner commissioned for Walsingham pilgrimage

The Oxford branch of the Guild of St Clare was honoured to be asked by the Latin Mass Society to create a banner featuring the two LMS patron saints, St Margaret Clitherow (for England) and St Richard Gwyn (for Wales). Five of the group's members collaborated on the project, which was supervised by Mary Lord.

Clockwise, from top left: Clare Auty, Lucy Shaw, Mary Lord and Emma Stevens put some finishing touches to the banner

The banner on its first outing at the LMS Ely to Walsingham Pilgrimage

Further pictures of the banner and the pilgrimage can be viewed on the LMS Chairman's blog here.

The Oxford Children's Guild of St Clare: Progress

The Oxford Children's Guild is now well into its second year, and a great deal of work has been accomplished. Earlier posts described the making of smocked bonnets and sleeping bags: here are further pictures of the completed work. 

Baby Grace Lewin, wearing a smocked linen bonnet made by her older sister Marie

Marie Lewin and Bridget Auty with their hand quilted sleeping bags

 Moving on from these projects, the girls have begun some dressmaking, taught by expert dressmaker Clare Auty.

Bridget Auty wearing a dress she made herself

Work on dressmaking, whitework and (for the younger children) felt-making, continues. More pictures will be forthcoming when the new term is well under way!

The Birmingham Group

I am very happy to announce the formation of the Guild of St Clare, Birmingham. Its regional co-ordinator is Wendy Doyle, pictured above. The group is learning a formidable list of skills including knitting, vestment repair and dressmaking. Below you can see some of the ladies making bunting.

Younger children's work

The younger children have completed their first project under the supervision of Emma Stevens - Easter hangings. Here are some of the finished ones!

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

First Meeting of the Guild of St Clare, London

The Guild of St Clare's London branch held its first meeting on Saturday, 19th February 2011. Eleven people attended. Work has already begun on mending some very beautiful and antique embroidered vestments. This is being overseen by Sue Gollop, a skilled and very experienced needlewoman, with the able assistance of Vreni Windsor, who already does a great deal of work for the St Bede's Traditional Community and the Knights of Malta.

Sue Gollop, founder and co-ordinator of the London branch

Some members of the group are learning to knit baby blankets, which they are planning to give to the Good Counsel Network

Some members have little or no experience of needlework, and they are taking advantage of the meetings to learn some basic skills. The group is hoping to do some advanced training once they are more established. Altogether this is a very promising start to this new venture.

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