Clocks

Yesterday I had a fab day teaching textile clocks.   A while ago I designed my "Blues" clock for my new Sewing Room which is basically my classroom.  We converted our garage into the "classroom" to give me private working space in the Stitchshed.  I can now develop ideas and leave a creative mess to my heart's content at the same time as having a clear room for teaching. 

This seems to work well - we are still waiting for the new larger window to give the sewing room more light and to change the door as it impinges on the space.

Anyway back to the clocks......as you can see I needed a clock so I designed one incorporating machine embroidery stitches and scraps of pretty fabrics, lace and buttons.  It worked well and I was asked to teach it.

Yesterday we had a fun day creating some very pleasing clocks.

Falling leaves in the woodland with foxes and autumn leaves, owls and dog bones for a dog lover.  Well  done ladies - it was lovely fun and productive day.

Shopping

We still go out to do our weekly shop but a lot of people like to do on-line shopping for convenience.  On-line shopping was a boon for my mum and dad once they couldn't get out to the big supermarkets  and both my daughters find it eases their busy work-life balance.  But at some stage we all physically shop, and after seeing the awful coverage of the plastic in our seas and what it's doing to our Eco-system, I decided to rid myself of plastic bags completely.  

As a sewer all my life, I have a very large stash of fabric so it was easy to find just the right fabric design for fruit and veg bags.

Today we used them for the first time and the sizing of each bag seemed perfect.   I made the vegetable bag the same size as a large supermarket bag and the fruit one a little smaller.  They are both sturdy bags and it was a joy to take them out shopping!

Getting Organised

After checking out exactly what travel art stuff I had in the caravan, I knew I had to organise it!

Hmmmm I hear you say, how much does a person need exactly!   So, I set about sorting out what I really need for a quick painting or drawing session.  After deciding, I lay them together to gauge the size of a zip pouch and here is the made pouch with zip at the top and a handle.  

It measures 16" wide by 18" long.  It fits everything in quite neatly including on art pad!

I covered an A5 art notebook to match and made a pouch for pencils and pens etc.

I really enjoyed this organising session and now feel ready for our holidays.

Teaching the Basics

It's been a busy time here teaching new students.  It is so fun to see people enjoying themselves, forgetting the time and becoming absorbed in new crafts.

Contact me if you wish to book a session with me to learn how to use your sewing machine or how to put together a new project whether it's craftwork or dressmaking.  You will be surprised at how much you will enjoy it.

Free motion Joy

A while ago a friend gave me a little wooden sewing box - it is so cute.

I kept looking at it and knew I had to design a little wall hanging for the Stitchshed.

So here it it is - scraps, freemotion applique and free motion quilting.

I love it - it now adorns the wall opposition my sewing machine ❤️.  

Learning a craft

One to one tuition is available for:

* sewing crafts 

* dressmaking

* patchwork and quilting

* embroidery 

* knitting

* crochet

Learn a craft in my designated craft studio at my home in Burwell or I will come to your home (12 mile radius).

I am available to teach small groups of up to 4 people in my studio or at your home. 

I will hold various workshops throughout the year at my studio, but if you would like a tailored session for you and your friends, please contact me.

My aim is to make crafting affordable to learn so I try to keep my charges reasonable whilst covering my overheads. 

My charges are:

One to one:       £15 per hour

Groups:             £20 per hour - this rate will be divisible by the number of people attending up to 4

Workshops:       Dependent upon the length of the workshops, the rates range from £20 to £35 pp.

Term Learning:   Terms of 18 hours of learning over 6 weeks £90 

Vouchers available 

Please contact me, either by email or mobile.

Look forward to meeting you.

Dressmaking classes

Today I've got two pupils in the stitchshed learning to make dresses.   

We've had one session measuring and fitting the toile now it's onto the real thing.

Pictures later .........,,,,,