How to use your sewing machine workshop

Look at that for focused concentration!!  Heads down working hard, that’s what I like to see in my workshops!

I think sewing machines as well as students must like these workshops as yesterday saw more machines back from the brink of lonely lives of neglect.  One machine had been in its box in a cupboard for a few years, another had almost ended up being dumped.  By the end of the day they were whirring happily.

Their owners had the following feedback on the workshop:

What did you enjoy most?
“Hands on machine knowledge.”
“Gaining a good all round knowledge.”
“Learning more about how the machine works.”

And about the workshop overall:
“Really clear concise info, friendly and fun.  Learned a lot!”

The funniest part for me were the squeals of disgust when we had a go at cleaning the machines…yep sewing machines need a bit of TLC every now and again and these students now know why!

I’ll be running this workshop again before Christmas, date to be confirmed soon.

New stock for Makers Boutique

A little foray into recycled leather.

Come and have a look and say hello at the Makers Boutique market on Saturday 16th April at Brighton Unitarian church (centre of town on New Road at the back of the pavilion gardens).

First peep at some new bits

Leather, oooooo nice.  You can see more at the Makers Boutique art and craft market at Brighton Unitarian Church in the centre of Brighton on Saturday 16th April where I’ll be sharing a stall.

Felt collar necklaces make it to Lewes!

They’re not all off to Lewes but here’s a little glimpse of my fresh stock of felt collars that are almost ready to face the world.  A select few arrived at the doors of Wickle in Lewes today……..

Felt collar necklaces

I’ve been making these collar shaped necklaces from the offcuts of wool from my capelets for a while now and they’re starting to take off.  I delivered this little lot to a lovely local called Misha today.  She’s opening a new shop on Kensington Gardens in the North Laine in the next few weeks called Rose Hill Boutique.  Misha also makes jewellery and judging by her taste, I think the shop will be well worth a look.

You can also get them in Laste on Bond St, Handmade on St. James’ St and I’m working on an order for a lovely shop in Lewes, but more on that later…..

Another summer capelet idea

It’s a collar, but it’s frilly and covers your shoulders when a chilly summer wind blows.  I’m not sure if it’s a bit too mad, but for now it’s still in the running and undergoing development….!

Sneaky peek…..

……………………………more tomorrow at Art Junky, Phoenix Gallery, Brighton!

Festive fodder

I have a couple of markets and open studios coming up soon.  The first being Art Junky at the Phoenix Gallery this Sunday (21st Nov).

Perfect opportunity to use up the left over bits of my felted jumpers…..

……….a flock of robins to hang or perch in your Christmas tree………….

……mittens!!  Some embroidered, some plain and some with strings (it’s not just kids who lose their mittens).

And a bit of gentle irony on a Christmas card.

Hope to see you there!

Meeting the Makers….

I’ll be sharing a stall at Art Junky at the Phoenix Gallery in Brighton next Sunday (21st November).  You can buy my wool capelets, ruffles, mittens and Christmas decorations.

It’s a menagerie of makers and artists and designers and more.  It’s on from 11am to 5pm.

Here’s a link to the gallery: http://www.phoenixbrighton.org/events/173-art-junky-nov-2010.html

Here’s a map: http://www.phoenixbrighton.org/contact.html

Get your mits on

It’s chilly, it’s wet, it’s dark.

Let the mittens into your life.  They’ll give your cold little hands a woolly, warm, waterproof hug.

They’re not finished yet.  I’m thinking they need strings and a spot of embroidery.  They will be making their debut at a few Christmas fairs I’m doing soon.  Details to follow……