A local u3a Craft Group, established in 2011, is delighted to be invited to showcase their work in a textile exhibition at Ilkley’s Manor House this summer.
In 2014 they embarked on a project to show the variety of needlecraft skills practiced by their members. Using 10in squares, each one opted for a skill they enjoy with their own personal choice of colour, texture, fabric and yarn.
The theme ‘Hands that Help’ enabled members to highlight the regular items they make for community outreach work, both locally and internationally, and the skills they teach each other in a friendly and supportive environment. On show will be familiar examples of applique and patchwork together with older skills of tatting, lacemaking and Bargello embroidery.
The result is an exhibition of three colourful, textural and visual panels that identify both the needlecraft skills used and the name of the maker, with personal reflections of when they learnt their craft and how they chose to display it. Additional display material gives information about the community and outreach projects the group undertake.
The craft group have contributed knitted and crocheted teddies, baby vests, beanie hats and blankets for those fleeing conflict, poverty and disaster wherever they occur. For over 10 years more than 20 organisations and volunteers have been supported in their humanitarian work. Closer to home the group became involved with the Bradford Centenary Celebration of the World War 1 Armistice and in 2018 a special needlecraft wreath was laid at Ilkley cenotaph for ‘The Unremembered’, a project spearheaded by the Commonwealth Heads of Government throughout the UK.
The exhibition is open at weekends until 11 September between 11am and 4pm, also including bank holiday Monday and Friday 9 September, and individual members will be on hand to talk about their work. It coincides with the 40th anniversary of the National u3a and the 25th anniversary of our own Ilkley & District u3a.
The u3a welcomes all those who are retired or semi-retired and places emphasis on having fun while learning and making friends. Ilkley & District u3a website ilkleyu3a.org offers members well over 100 different interest groups.
Information about all their activities will also be available at the exhibition.