This was another successful year for the Guild at the Hatfield Living Crafts Show in May. The weather was kind and attendance numbers seemed to be higher than ever. We were lucky enough to be given extra space so that we could have two have-a-go tables for the visitors to try their hand at painting individual pieces of silk. We had 200 people over the four days, mostly using silk for the first time; 102 chose the steam-fix dyes on a 25cm2 frame and 88 the iron-fix paints using a small embroidery frame. The smaller pieces were dried and bagged for them to take home. The larger ones were taken back to Tessa's house where she steamed, ironed and posted them off to their owners.
As well as these tables, we were able to have a constant demonstration table going manned by one of the Sericum (St Albans) branch and a display of Guild literature to read and take away. We were also able to display the new welcome pack that Ashley Selman has put together for new members. Four people signed up for membership and one rejoined, and there was a lot of interest about the Festival of Silk Painting in October.
Among a stunning display of turquoise-themed silk Rowan Lloyd's church banners, silk blouses by Vee Harlow and Helena Rhodes drew admiration as well as the kingfisher scarf by Louis Dudart-Aberdeen. With the extra table room we were also able to show a wide selection of cushions.We shall be using this display stand as one part of the exhibition during the Festival of Silk Painting in October, so you can see the amount of space we have to display your work.