The dog days of October are with us once more and the clocks have just gone back, so we’re into that time of short days with early twilight and long dark nights. I know many people find this prospect quite depressing and perhaps that’s why we have festivals and celebrations like Diwali, which features light to brighten the dark days. In Scandinavian countries windows are filled with lighted candles to chase away the darkness and we can look forward to Hallowe’en and Bonfire night and shops already full of offerings for the Christmas season.
In ancient times the Celts divided their year into two seasons – the light and the dark, with Beltane on 1st May and Samhain, on November eve, the night of October 31st. This marked the first day of winter, when cattle were brought in and all harvesting had to completed . With the rise of Christianity, Samhain became Hallowmas, or All Saints Day, to celebrate the saints in heaven, and so the night before became Hallowe’en. Over recent years more American customs have added Trick or Treating to the mix.
Chasing the last days of summer sunshine, I have just arrived back from Sardinia, where I had the opportunity to visit the workshop of two talented sisters, Giuseppina and Assuntina Pes – I Sorelle Pes. Giuseppina and Assuntina, along with Chiara Vigo are, I understand, the only people in the world to weave a very rare and unusual material – Bissi or Seasilk . Bissi are the very fine filaments secreted by a large bi- valve mollusc, Pina Nobilis. The filaments are used to anchor the mollusc to the seabed and are highly prized for their lustrous and delicate qualities. Sadly, once harvested the filaments will not regrow so, over time, supplies were rapidly depleted. Subsequently, collecting more sea silk was banned. However, by extraordinary coincidence and good fortune, these three ladies, based in Sant’ Antioco in Sardinia still have access to a previously well-guarded supply. This has enabled them to continue using sea silk in carefully selected commissions, mostly for religious purposes, including work for the Sistine Chapel. The sisters spoke with such pride and passion for their work and for the history of sea silk weavers in Sardinia and for their enthusiasm to encourage the tradition to continue. Sadly, they did not want their work to be photographed, as they are highly protective of the regional designs they reproduce but I was able to photograph the sisters working their loom in tandem in their home.
They work mostly on a base of very fine linen with traditional designs hand worked in wool, which is mostly dyed naturally. Sea silk is incorporated in small quantities to highlight the designs and to add its own characteristic luminescence. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity and hope you enjoy hearing about this most unusual fibre.
| However, you don’t have to travel far to find some interesting textile exhibitions in the area this month, so here is a roundup of what’s on offer – Mary Linwood; Art, Stitch and Life at Leicester Museums and Galleries, running until 22 February 2026 A retrospective of the Leicester textile artist, Mary Linwood. A celebrated artist in the early 1800’s, Mary Linwood has been largely forgotten. Using a technique known as needle painting, Mary created detailed versions of famous British paintings. A talented artist, innovator and entrepreneur, Mary Linwood ran a successful school for young ladies, exhibited widely and was the first woman to open a gallery in London. Clearly, a woman well ahead of her time. This retrospective exhibition features 14 embroidered works from the Museum collection and new textile pieces by local textile artist, Ruth Singer. This exhibition will be of significant interest to textile enthusiasts and anyone interested in Leicester’s rich but often forgotten historical legacy. Retford Textile Group are holding their first ever Exhibition and Sale at the Retford Library from November 3rd to December 19th. Normal library opening hours as advertised online, with free admission. In addition, during the week November 22 to 29th, St Saviour’s Church, opposite the library, will feature A Festival of Christmas trees from various groups in the Retford area, including a Dream catchers Tree from Retford Textile Group. Likewise, The Hub, a small cooperative regional Arts Centre, just two doors away from the library will also have work for sale in the six weeks leading up to Christmas. With so much on offer a trip to Retford sounds very appealing. Mixing it up, a Group exhibition by Eclectica is currently running at the Sock Gallery in Loughborough Town Hall until Thursday November 20th. Free Admission. This vibrant and exciting exhibition features diverse approaches to contemporary art. Creativity and individuality are expressed through mixed media, quilting, traditional practices and quirky innovations, so be prepared to expect the unexpected! Please note that half the gallery will be closed on Saturday November the 8th due to a workshop. Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum – Through the Frame, an artistic exploration of an Industrial past by Jenny Stevenson – until November 15th – free admission. An exhibition of mixed media collages inspired by Ruddington’s historic framework knitting industry. The works explore stories of making, material and place, reflecting both the architecture of the cottages and the lives shaped by the industry and offers a contemporary response to this important part of Nottinghamshire’s heritage. www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk |
| With all this creative inspiration around, its inevitable that you will need some beautiful fabrics and threads to work with and you will find these in abundance at our Living Threads Sewing Room Sort Out where you will find fabrics, including beautiful silk, yarn, lace, beads, books and much, much more, all at very reasonable prices. Come and join us for tea, coffee and cake. Please bring cash for your purchases. The venue is Gotham Memorial Hall, Nottingham Rd, Gotham, NG11 OHE. It has recently been rebuilt after a disastrous fire two years ago. There is plenty of parking and a very frequent bus service from Nottingham We look forward to welcoming you on Saturday, November 1st, from 10am to 1pm. Thank you to the people who have contacted me with information about their club activities. I’m always happy to share your news and also pleased to report that a request last month for help with a project yielded an immediate response and hopefully that is now progressing – great result! Whatever you are doing to fill these early winter days, stay well, stay in touch and stay stitching, With best wishes, Maggie email – |