Casalguidi Embroidery Class

There will be a Casalguidi Embroidery class at SWI Headquarters, 42 Heriot Row, EH3 6ES. The Tutor will be Jane Currie. The dates are the 4^th – 6^th December 2019.

This class is open to all experienced embroiderers who would like the challenge of learning a new skill. The deadline for applications is Friday the 8^th of November and the cost is £75.00. This does not include the materials. There is a limited number of spaces available, so please apply early.

Casalguidi Embroidery

This style of embroidery originated in the small village of Casalguidi near Pistoia in Norther Italy. The embroidery techniques used to make Casalguidi embroidery are what makes it so interesting. It is worked on linen with a background of pulled work which contrasts well with the sculptured raised embroidery effect. The rough texture of the needle lace, buttonhole bars and raised stem band, contrast well with the smooth bullion knots and wrapped scrolls. This gives it a feeling of stumpwork. Articles can be embellished further with the addition of tassels and bobbles.

During the 3-day workshop all the techniques will be taught and practiced to produce a small piece of interesting Casalguidi embroidery.

While working, a brief history of the technique will be discussed to gain a better insight of the technique.

Handcrafts Weekend School - April 2020

Please come and join us for the Handcrafts Weekend School. The classes on offer are:

‘Buttons, Braids & Tassels’ Tutor – Brenda Simpson

‘Silk Ribbon Embroidery’ – Tutor – Heather King

This will be held at

Fisher’s Hotel, Pitlochry - 3^rd – 5^th April 2020

If you are interested please contact the H&H Event Co-ordinator by email: hand.house@theswi.org.uk by telephone 0131 285 7117

Study Tour to North Wales - October 2019

Study Tour – North Wales - 18^th – 22^nd October 2019

Departing by coach on 18^th October 2018 from pick-up points in Edinburgh and Glasgow, you will head to North Wales, stopping en-route at Sizergh Castle near Kendal.

After lunch you will continue your journey onto to the Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon and check in for the next four nights, all bedrooms have en-suite facilities.

Over the next few days you will travel to Colwyn Bay, visit Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Castle, Portmeirion Village and Gardens. There will be a scenic drive south through the Vale of Conwy to Porthmadog. Once you arrive at Porthmadog train station, you will take a journey on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarfon. The study tour will continue with a visit to Caernarfon Castle.

On the journey home, you will stop at Dalemain House, Penrith.

Included in the price:

Four nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast at the 3* Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon
Comfortable coaching throughout
Visits to Sizergh Castle, Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Portmeirion, Dalemain House & Gardens and a single journey on the Welsh Highland Railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon
Services of a Brightwater Holidays tour manager

There are still a limited amount of space left for the Study Tour and, as with previous years, we can open up this tour to non-SWI members. If you would like to book a space further details are available from the Education & International Committee Secretary at educ.int@theswi.org.uk

Matter of Opinion and National Quiz - Saturday 26th October 2019

The Matter of Opinion Competition will be held the morning of 26^th October, the National Quiz will follow in the afternoon at Fochabers Public Institute, 15 High Street, Fochabers, Moray, IV32 7EP. Further information and entry forms are available in the Members' Area of the website, login is required (Committees/Education & International Committee/Matter of Opinion or /National Quiz).

If you need any further information please contact educ.int@theswi.org.uk.

TOUR BY EVELYN BAXTER SCHOLARS

TOUR BY EVELYN BAXTER SCHOLARS – JANUARY to DECEMBER 2019

Subject – Basic Embroidery

(All correspondence has been sent to the Federations)

The 2019 tutors are Susan Finlayson – Roxburghshire and Anne Rodgie - Fife. Evelyn Baxter Scholars - having attended the course held at headquarters this spring – are both willing to give 2 day classes on this subject at federation level anywhere in Scotland between January and December 2019.

A school will last two consecutive days (four hours each day) and a maximum of 12 members can be accepted. Once classes are confirmed – information will be sent to the Federations regarding materials. i.e a pack may be provided with a note of the cost and/or a requirements list *In response to enquiries received – Please note the following: The federation does not pay any fees for pupils attending these classes to SWI headquarters. Evelyn Baxter classes are different to the handcrafts - two day school and craft classes.

H & H Secretaries are reminded that all arrangements for these classes (dates and times) should be made through headquarters. In the event of a Federation having to cancel the class, Headquarters and the Scholar must be notified, at least four weeks in advance.

Please can you submit the application form as soon as possible if you wish your class in the early part of 2019, please contact the H&H Secretary (hand.house@theswi.org.uk) for further information.

Sports

SWI organises national competitions in curling, stadium bowling, outdoor bowling and golf. Federations select a team(s), usually by competition, to represent them in the competition. Further information can be obtained from the Education and International Secretary - educ.int@theswi.org.uk

Due to issues with catering at previous sports competitions, all refreshments must be ordered and paid for in advance for players and spectators. Refreshment vouchers will be distributed on the day and these should be handed over for refreshments.

The dates of the next National Competitions are:

Golf Competition 2019

27 August 2019, Shiskine Golf & Tennis Club, Arran Federation. The deadline for entries was 28 February.

Curling Bonspiel

Details on the next Curling Bonspiel will follow once available.

Stadium Bowling Competition

Details on the next Stadium Bowling competition will follow once available.

Outdoor Bowling Competition

Details on the next Outdoor Bowling competition will follow once available.

*Please click the side arrow to access the Guidelines relating to these events.

Sport Guidelines

For federations who are hosting, or interested in hosting, SWI Sports Competitions, you can view our Guidelines for the following:

Education & International Proficiency Certificate Schedule

Proficiency Certificate Schedule

Welcome to our Education & International Committee Proficiency Certificate Programme.
We are delighted that you are considering sitting a certificate.
The downloadable booklet will give you all the answers to any queries you may have.

Proficiency Certificate Schedule >

Handcrafts and Homeskills Proficiency Certificate Schedules

The new schedules are now available. For the Homeskills there will be an additional new certificate. Once completed, it will be put on to this website and the Federations in the Central area will receive this as soon as is possible.

Handcrafts Schedule

Homeskills Proficiency Schedule

Weekend Residential Schools

SWI offers members the opportunity to attend weekend schools, particularly in handcrafts and Scottish Country Dancing. These are held in suitable venues in various parts of the Scotland.

Scottish Country Dance Weekend

The 2020 Scottish Country Dance Weekend for SWI members will be held in Fisher’s Hotel, Pitlochry on 6-8 March 2020. Details will follow nearer this time.

Handcrafts Residential Weekend School

The next handcrafts weekend school is scheduled to take place in the Spring of 2020. Details will follow nearer this time.

Study Tours

SWI organises Study Tours, both abroad and to other parts of the UK, which include programmes of educational visits and meetings with members of our sister organisations.

For further information, please contact the Education and International Secretary email: educ.int@theswi.org.uk.

Events News & Information