We have weekly events across all our Federations and will be posting a full event diary soon, as part of the website.
Below is a summary of our main and most popular events for members. We hope you take part and look forward to seeing you there.
Please also note, if you are a member and would like to add an event to this page, please contact us and we would be delighted to add it to the events diary.
University of Stirling, Stirling – 30 July – 3 August 2018
Attending SWI summer school affords members from throughout Scotland the ideal opportunity to learn new skills, renew acquaintances and make new friends. In 2018 we will be based at Stirling University. So, whether it will be your first SWI Summer School or you have been before, we hope that you will apply to come in 2018. It’s time to think about which class you would like to attend.
We hope to organise the following classes:
KNOW YOUR OWN SEWING MACHINE All the techniques shown in this class will combine to allow participants to use them in their own choice project. Some of the work the class will be exploring are sewing machine layout, functions, stitches, threading, utility stitches, decorative stitches, needles including twin needle work, threads, drop feed and its uses, maintenance, trouble shooting and cleaning. We will also be looking at various machine feet and how to utilise them. Backings, Couching, Free Motion, Cords, Tassels and Quilting will all be explored. Tutor: Pat Stone
MINDFULNESS – This could include yoga, tai chi and pilates. More information will follow.
PLAIN SEWING More information will follow.
PUBLIC SPEAKING More information will follow.
SILK PAINTING In this class students will be using specific silk paints, run resist solution and sea salt for effect. They will be mixing colours and using shading to complete at least one of each of these – cushion cover, picture, scarf, card and more if time allows. Tutor: Margaret Fleming
SINGING FOR FUN Imagine doing an activity which is good for you physically, socially, emotionally and mentally; and sharing in fun and laughter at the same time. We will use songs from a variety of sources, including well-known and not-so-well-known numbers. You do not have to be a ‘singer’ but you do have to enjoy singing! Tutor: Cath Munro
SKETCHING AND DRAWING This class will be looking at and experimenting with various mediums to draw and sketch. Learning about and using tonal variation. Adding colour. Making quick informative sketches for use in paintings. Drawing from observation, photos and imagination. Tutor: May Snaddon
SWI reserve the right to cancel classes should there be insufficient support.
The accommodation for the Summer School will be in Willow Court which is short walk from the classrooms and refectory. However, it has a car park, so is fully accessible for those who do not wish to walk between buildings. All the accommodation will be in single ensuite bedrooms.
If you are interested and would like to receive an application form with full details regarding cost etc, please write to SWI Headquarters, 42 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, EH3 6ES with SAE. These forms will be posted out on Thursday, 4 January 2018. Return your application as soon as possible. Ballot for places will take place on Thursday, 18 January 2018. Please note that this is not a closing date and places may still be available well after this date but to reserve your place at the class of your choice it is advisable to apply early. Please note applying early does not guarantee a place.
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 School for SWI members.
The 2018 Scottish Country Dance Weekend for SWI members will be held in Fisher’s Hotel, Pitlochry on 9, 10, and 11 March.
For more information please contact SWI Headquarters.
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.
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.
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:
Curling Bonspiel
20 March 2018 at The Peak, Stirling
Stadium Bowling Competition
24 April 2018 at Arbroath & District Indoor Bowling Club
Outdoor Bowling Competition
TBC
Golf Competition
Date and venue to be confirmed
Walking Weekend
The next Walking Weekend for SWI Members will take place in Spring 2019.
*Please click the side arrow to access the Guidelines relating to these events.
For federations who are hosting, or interested in hosting, SWI Sports Competitions, you can view our Guidelines for the following:
The Royal Highland Show is from 21 - 24 June 2018.
SWI is responsible for managing the Handcrafts Pavilion.
The office bearers and members on duty in the Handcrafts Pavilion look forward to meeting you at the show
JANUARY to DECEMBER 2018
Subject - Needle Felting
The 2018 Scholars are Pauline Walls and Jay Hutchison. 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 2018. A school will last two consecutive days (four hours each day) and a maximum of 12 members can be accepted. 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 handcrafts - two day school and craft classes. All expenses incurred will be the responsibility of the federation concerned. H & H Secretaries are reminded that all arrangements for these classes (dates and times) should be made through headquarters. Information and application forms have been sent to the Federations. if you wish your class in the early part of 2018, please send it back as soon as possible, but in all cases replies should be received at SWI Headquarters by Friday 26th of January. In the event of a federation having to cancel their class. Headquarters and the Scholar must be informed four weeks in advance.
Proficiency Certificate Schedules
Welcome to our National Proficiency Certificate Programme. We are delighted that you are considering sitting a test.
Please note if you are sitting a test in 2017 the 2015 copy of the Handcrafts and Housewives schedules apply. If you require a copy please contact Pamela Black – contact details below.
New Proficiency Certificate Schedules
A new Handcrafts and also Housewives Proficiency Certificate schedule marked ‘Revised & Updated 2017’ has been compiled. If you wish to apply for a Certificate, please ensure that you have a copy of this. Both Proficiency Certificate Schedule ‘Rules for Candidates’ Booklets are available free of charge from Headquarters. Or please contact Pamela Black - email:hand.house@theswi.org.uk
**Members please note these are for tests being applied for from 2018 onwards. If you have applied for tests this Autumn 2017 then the current schedules will apply. Application forms and information for Autumn and Spring 2018 tests for the federations eligible have been sent out. If you wish to apply, please contact your Handcrafts & Housewives Secretary. All applications must go through your secretary. These then are forwarded to Headquarters. The deadline for Spring tests is the 1st of October for the following year and the deadline for Autumn tests is the 1st of March.
The downloadable booklets will give you all the answers to any queries you may have.
Hand Patchwork Certificate
Please note this page has been amended, if you have a copy of the new schedule please download this page and attach it.
Or alternatively download the amended booklet above.
The subject chosen by the Handcrafts & Housewives Committee for the 2019 Evelyn Baxter Scholarship is Basic Embroidery.
The four day scholarship school will be held in SWI Headquarters from day to day 2018 inclusive. 9.30 to 4pm (Friday 9.15 to 3.15pm). The tutor will be Ann McGuchan.
The Scholarship pays for scholars’ travel, accommodation and tuition during the school. The scholars will be selected by interview and, where possible, one will be from the North of the country and one from the South.
The Scholarship is not intended for beginners. The nominee should have a keen interest in needle felting in order to gain maximum advantage from the course. It is a condition of the Scholarship that the selected members must be willing to take classes at Federation level, without a tuition fee, during the scholarship year, although travel and accommodation costs will be paid by the Federation receiving the tuition. Each Federation should ensure that its nominee understands this condition before putting her name forward for consideration.
Nominations should be sent through the Federation to Headquarters, with brief biographical notes on the applicant. A few additional places are available, at a cost of £200.00 for fee paying pupils. Forms have been sent out to all Federations and nominations should reach Headquarters not later than 2017. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter. If your Federation has no nominations it would be appreciated if they would please indicate this on the form and return it by the above date.
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.
The 2018 Competition will be for a ‘Spring Floral Crochet Wreath’
Please note this is only for members who attended the 2017 Federation classes.
Should you wish to enter please contact Pamela Black at SWI Headquarters. The entry form (accompanied by a fee of £1.50) should be returned to the Handcrafts Secretary, SWI Headquarters, 42 Heriot Row, Edinburgh EH3 6ES not later than Friday 14th September 2018 Further instructions and details will be sent to each competitor after this date. No late entry forms will be accepted. Each Competitor will be responsible for his/her own entry, suitably packed for being delivered to SWI Headquarters, 42 Heriot Row, Edinburgh, EH3 6ES to arrive not later than Friday September 28th 2018. SWI cannot be held responsible for an entry arriving damaged or late. If you have not received further instructions, including tags etc, by 21ST September 2018, please contact Headquarters. The closing date for the arrival of entries is Friday 28th September 2018. No late entries will be accepted. Judging will take place at Headquarters in October 2018. Headquarters will arrange for the unpacking and repacking of entries at the time of judging. Entries will be displayed at Headquarters during the November meetings week, commencing 19th November 2018. For acknowledgement of your entry please send an S.A.E
Dates to follow - The Federation competition will be for a Rhubarb & Ginger Jam and the Individual Competition will be for ‘3 Empire Biscuits’. Information and entry forms will be emailed out to federations and be available on the website in due course.