Our Tablecloth
The possibility of a tablecloth for the Officers’ table had been around ever since Warwick W.I. was formed in 1974 but it was not until 1988 that work was started.
One of our members, Betty Warriss, who was a gifted needlewoman, agreed to organise how this was to be done. Each Monday afternoon and evening her home was open to those who wanted to pop in for materials, ideas and advice. For those who wished to make a social occasion of their sewing, seating was arranged and tea and biscuits served.
After some discussion it was decided that the cloth would be made up of small squares each of which was to be embroidered, hopefully by each member of
our Institute. Betty, who was a wonderful teacher managed to get many members to make a contribution even those who had never in their life picked up a needle. One of the squares was cross stitched by a lady who was registered blind.
Subjects for inclusion were the historical building and churches of Warwick, crafts, activities, sports and other interests of the W.I. plus wildlife, flowers and birds. Archives and books were searched for information before a final design was agreed upon.
Gradually, with all squares completed they were handed to Betty who put them together to form a magnificent cloth for the table. It had exceeded all expectations.
The cloth was presented to the President at the Annual Meeting of Warwick W.I. in October 1989 to the accompaniment of flash photography by a local press photographer.
Twenty-five years on the cloth still covers the Officers’ table at every monthly meeting and on other special occasions.
One of our members, Betty Warriss, who was a gifted needlewoman, agreed to organise how this was to be done. Each Monday afternoon and evening her home was open to those who wanted to pop in for materials, ideas and advice. For those who wished to make a social occasion of their sewing, seating was arranged and tea and biscuits served.
After some discussion it was decided that the cloth would be made up of small squares each of which was to be embroidered, hopefully by each member of
our Institute. Betty, who was a wonderful teacher managed to get many members to make a contribution even those who had never in their life picked up a needle. One of the squares was cross stitched by a lady who was registered blind.
Subjects for inclusion were the historical building and churches of Warwick, crafts, activities, sports and other interests of the W.I. plus wildlife, flowers and birds. Archives and books were searched for information before a final design was agreed upon.
Gradually, with all squares completed they were handed to Betty who put them together to form a magnificent cloth for the table. It had exceeded all expectations.
The cloth was presented to the President at the Annual Meeting of Warwick W.I. in October 1989 to the accompaniment of flash photography by a local press photographer.
Twenty-five years on the cloth still covers the Officers’ table at every monthly meeting and on other special occasions.