A rainy june meeting- braved and enjoyed!

Out and about with a "Women of Hackney tour

Not to be beaten by the great British weather, several of our hardy members braved the lashing rain and took the the streets of Hackney with Simon Cole From Hackney tours. Despite the rain, it was a great event, and we hope to enjoy one soon in more clement weather!

Claire-Louise Hardie- Secretary SNWI

Ready, Aim, Shoot!

August's meeting- 'Ready, aim, shoot'
Take your photography to the next level. Learn some tips on lots of things from low light, composition and portraiture from a seasoned photographer. There will be practical bits, taking photos and being the subject and learning about your camera (or camera phone). It will be fun and giggles with the learning!   So, please bring your compact camera or camera phone and be ready to get the best out of your photography.

Catherine is a talented photographer who has shot an number of weddings and fashion shoots, she is passionate about portraiture and that everyone can take, and be in a great photo.  Also that it does not take lots of equipment to produce good photos.

Catherine is a fellow WI Sister, from new group Gothic Valley WI, and we're super excited that she's coming along to share her tips and tricks for excellent pics! You can read her top 6 tips here

This is a free meeting for members, and there's a £5 fee for visitors


Claire-Louise Hardie- Secretary SNWI

"Everything Alice"-the wonderful book of makes review

I discovered this week that the team behind delightful craft book "Everything Alice- The wonderful book of makes" have a new book coming out "Everything Oz- The wizard book of makes and bakes", so I thought i'd finally post my review of the first book.
I was drawn into this book immediately by the striking red cover, and by a personal love of everything Alice too!

This book really is a journey into wonderland. Unlike other craft or sewing books, it perfectly blends delicious pages of  food and drink with delightfully quirky and inspiring craft projects. I struggled to choose my favourites!





The craft based projects have something for everyone from cute lavender dormice, to fabric covered chairs and fabulous mad hatterhats. My personal favourites are the "Time for tea Jewellry" and the "Cheshire cat hand warmers"





Not being a complete domestic Diva myself, I also loved the playful food and drink projects, I'm sure even I can follow the clear instructions and rustle up some "Drink Me Cordial" Although the fabulous "Duchess Macaroons" may be too much as a non baker. They do look divine though


There are lots of ideas for themed tea parties too, and there are templates at the back of the book for you to trace off and enlarge. My only bug bear, is that not having access to a photocopier that enlarges, I can't make full use of the templates. This is however a common issue with british craft books.
If you're interested in making things and are bored with the same old cookery books and crafting books, then I highly recommend you invest in this book.

(Disclaimer -Stokey WI was sent a review copy by the publisher Quadrille, However I made up my own mind about wether or not I liked the book)

Claire-Louise Hardie- Secretary SNWI