Corn Dollies WI

15/10/2026

A challenging little task this month for the Crafting Dollies. We made a One Page Interactive Mini Album. However, in true Corn Dollies style, everyone rose to the challenge and created some lovely albums. Well done all!

28/09/2026

THE LESS KNOWN LANES OF CLAINES

Today’s Corn Dollies WI walk was led bySue Smith, who was celebrating her birthday — along with Karen Worboys . 🎂🥳

We enjoyed a delightful 5 miles walk with wonderful company. WE even met a lovely American couple from Massachusetts. 🇺🇸 It was a special day, for the birthday celebrants.We rounded off with a celebratory meal.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, @ Louise Fellows arrived with birthday hats! 🎉🎈

A day full of friendship, laughter, good food and beautiful canal views. 💕🚶‍♀️

24/09/2026

September Meeting

THE VIKINGS 793 - 1066

Ellie and Ash , Viking reenactors from The Vikings Re-enactment Society, brought the period to life in this excellent afternoon’s session Corn Dollies WI

They portrayed the period from roughly the Viking raid on Lindisfarne in 793 through to the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Their clothing and equipment were displayed and shared ; the ladies were encouraged to handle the weaponry, admire the embroidery and be awed by the lives led by the Viking Women.

We discovered that Viking girls were often married at 12 , but they did have considerable rights within marriage and could seek a divorce. One amusing example from suggests a woman could divorce her husband if he displayed his chest hair to another woman!

Ellie wore an apron dress or hangerock, held by shoulder straps and distinctive oval brooches whilst Ash’s Rus trousers – a very wide, baggy style complemented his long sleeved tunic. In addition, we learnt that they were attentive to personal hygiene .Viking men washed once a week.

Ellie and Ash’s enthusiasm made the history engaging and helped us understand the Vikings beyond the familiar stories of raids and warriors.

We did not conclude with the simple Viking food of bread and meat; we were treated to coffee and walnut cake as well as the Lavender cakes which featured in the WI Magazine.

18/09/2026

Abberley Hills Vineyard! 🍇🍷

Expertly driven by Jacqui, our mini bus of 13 set off for a wonderful tour — although it was unlucky for some, as neither Jacqui nor Angela could enjoy the w**e! 😂🍷

We learned so much about the fascinating work that goes on at Mill Orchards, the beautiful farm where Abberley Hills Vineyards are situated. The farm has been in the van Tongeren family since 1987 and grows grapes, as well as specialising in apples for the supermarket trade and producing delicious apple juice for themselves and other customers.

We even discovered the demands of Tesco’s when it comes to their Jumani apples 🍏 — they have to conform to their precise 65 size specification!

The beauty of the Abberley Hills provided the perfect backdrop, and both the w**e and apple juice were absolutely delicious. 🍷🍏

A lovely evening of learning, laughter, beautiful scenery and great company. ❤️

15/09/2026

BISCORNU PIN CUSHIONS
‘ Biscornu’ is French for irregular or skewed…
Our REGULAR Monday Crafters completed theirs under the excellent teaching of Taylor.
Complete with written instructions, photos and beautiful exemplars we created a useful addition to our personal sewing equipment.

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

Take some time this week to visit local artists. In a nutshell a free event on your doorstep. Other artists in the area within walking distance in Claines. Their website has an interactive map to plan your visit. All welcome. No dogs sorry.

10/08/2026

Celebrating the Launch of CORN DOLLIES BAYEUX TAPESTRY

Following the superb Federation Talk on the 70 m long Bayeux Tapestry , the Corn Dollies version was launched in the airy Claines Institute .

This wonderful project was launched by Louise Fellowes , whose generosity and expertise have been at the heart of our journey. Louise shared her knowledge with us, supplied the thread, and even took the time to teach us the special Bayeux stitch.

Sixteen ladies came together, rather like like our predecessors from the 1070s , except we weren’t commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, the half-brother of William the Conqueror.
Like the skilled women we ,too, may inject our own ‘ humour and appendages ‘ into our interpretation!

21/07/2026

WFWI held their annual Craft Show today at The Ark in Alvechurch. A good number of Worcestershire WIs entered the various categories. For Corn Dollies it was a VERY successful show.

Overall, we came in 2nd for our collaborative effort with good comments from the Judges. Judith's bag won Best in Show against some very stiff opposition. We also picked up a 2nd for Claire H's entry in the Black Pear Section, Highly Commended for Claire M & Elaine's Calligraphy Invitation plus 3rd places in Photography, Members Choice and Quiche!

As one member of the WF Committee commented - Corn Dollies are becoming the ones to beat!

A great day, and a huge thank you to all who participated and supported our efforts.

13/07/2026

A chatty, but productive, meeting of Crafting Dollies today. We were finishing off our Mini Fabric Baskets (although some were powering on with their second attempt!) Thanks again to all who made this a great morning and also to Matt and the team at The White Hart in Fernhill Heath where we hold our meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month.