Craft Arena 7 February 2020 No images? Click here WelcomeWell, I'm back in harness and more or less over the jet-lag. Thanks to Ray and Emily for looking after things while I've been away. I had such a good time. Wendy and I visited lots of sights, took part in four block printing workshops, and had classes with the wonderful Sarah Homfrey. I've started compiling a blog post - not quite finished yet - so you will be able to see what we got up to in more detail. Wendy and I will also be arranging a day when you can come to see and touch all the things we bought and made. Look out for details of that soon. In the meantime, this is a group photo of us all in the City Palace, Jaipur. Back to work, and we have lots of new books to share with you, the Summer season Rowan selection, plus plenty more to get you going for the Spring. We have a slightly different workshop to offer - Medieval Ink Making and Writing, with lots more workshops of all kinds planned which we will share with you over the next few weeks. Please don't forget about our Workshop exhibition in the Alchemy Gallery in March. I'm really excited about seeking the work you have done. People have said in the past that they feel their work isn't good enough, but let me reassure you that IT IS! Your work doesn't even have to be finished, as our customers love to see the processes involved in your work and how things progress. More details below. We look forward to seeing you in the studio soon. Denise and Ray Featured WorkshopHistoric Ink Making and WritingThose of you who know me, will be aware that I'm inspired by and, some may say, obsessed with medieval history, so I'm delighted to offer this workshop by Jorge Kelman. In this workshop you will learn how to make your own historic iron gall ink and cut your own goose quill pens for writing. Using period materials and methods you will also learn basic pen handling and write and seal your own correspondence, using late medieval closure methods. The workshop includes the handling and examination of a selection of manuscripts from the late middle ages to the early 20th century. This informal workshop is suitable for anyone interested in medieval history, writing and mark-making. Free PatternThis week we have a design by Sheena Norquay using Aurifil thread. Her peacock feather can be stitched in different ways for different effects. The colours are vibrant and remind me of the peacocks we saw in India. In the StudioThis week we have lots of new books for you and a natty little sewing kit. The new Rowan Knitting & Crochet magazine is here and it contains beautiful garments for summer. With lots of crochet, as well as knitting, you get patterns for 33 garments from designers such as Lisa Richardson, Martin Store, Kaffe Fassett, Arne & Carlos and Georgia Farrell amongst others. The second Mode at Rowan collection is superb. Three books show Rowan summer yarns at their best, with knitting AND crochet in lovely colours and wearable styles. I just wish I could work a little quicker to get them all made in time for the sun! And there's even more choice with Cape Bay by Martin Storey, with a family centred collection using Softyak DK, Kid's Brights using Baby Cashsoft Merino and Baby Merino Silk DK, and Closer from Kim Hargreaves who gives us a collection of accessories in a variety of yarns. It doesn't stop there! We have lots more new Knitting books, including Harry Potter, Portuguese Knitting, Knitting Stashbusters - to use up all that left over yarn, Entrelac Knitting and Fair Isle Crochet. For those new to felting, we have two new books to show you how. First Time felting includes tips on both wet and dry felting, whilst Needle Felting for Beginners concentrates on dry felting. Of course, you could always book a Craft Arena felting workshop if you need more help! Definitely one for my personal bookshelf! This is one of an exciting new series of books by the Royal School of Needlework and explores the intricate art of embroidering boxes for use as keepsakes and jewellery boxes. Written by Heather Lewis, a tutor with the Royal School of Needlework, it contains a history of the embroidered box, from the seventeenth century to the present day, and features techniques and guidance for needleworkers wishing to apply their skills to a practical application of the craft. This is a must-have instructional and inspirational book for anyone interested in free-motion embroidery. Drawing on new material, as well as that previously published as The Beginner’s Guide to Machine Embroidered Flowers, The Beginner’s Guide to Machine Embroidered Landscapes, Machine Embroidered Seascapes and Machine Embroidered Woodlands, this book provides a showcase of Alison Holt’s exquisite machine embroideries. If you are already a dab hand at macramé, and have no need of our taster session with Ray, this book is for you. 20 new projects will propel your knotting to the next level. . Macramé 2 includes a stunning collection of advanced projects such as beautiful wall hangings, an impressive canopy, rucksack, vest and cushion cover. Fanny also provides tips on natural dyeing, weaving, and how to tackle large projects. All the projects are photographed and illustrated. This natty little travel sewing kit contains everything needed for quick repairs and is the ideal travel companion. It contains 6 safety pins, 6 buttons, 3 sew-on snap fasteners, 20 pins, 1 needle threader, 25 hand sewing needles, 1 thimble, 8 spools of thread in different colours, 1 tape measure, 1 stitch ripper and 1 pair of stainless steel scissors. What's OnWorkshop Exhibition
We are holding our annual workshop exhibition in March and we look forward to seeing all the work you have done which has been inspired by our workshops. It doesn't need to be finished by the way, as our visitors do like to see the processes involved in the work. The application form is available here.
The theme for our 2020 Tantalising Textiles competition is MYSTERY. You can read more about the competition and get some ideas on our old blog. If you have any questions, please get in touch. The exhibition will be held in the Alchemy Gallery during April 2020 and the application form is available here. Workshops 2020Look out for news of our exciting future workshops here first! You can book online, call the studio on 01268 523780 or pop in to see us. You will find more workshops on our new website. Zentangle with CarolineSaturday 8th February 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65For those who have been on one of our Zentangle® classes before, this workshop will take your knowledge further. Caroline McNamara, a certified Zentangle® tutor, will be showing us how to work with the new Zentangle® grey tiles using some of the equipment you already use in your Zentangle® work. THERE ARE TWO PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP. Credence of Stitchers GroupSunday 9th February 202010.30pm - 1.00pm £10Join our stitching social group where you can stitch, chat and get a bit of advice if you need it! Any type of hand embroidery is welcome. You will receive a gift worth at least £5 when you attend, this will consist of hand embroidery related items - it may be threads, patterns or accessories or a combination of both. In case you were wondering, Credence is a 15th Century collective noun for a number of stitchers! THERE ARE THREE PLACES LEFT ON THIS SESSION Mixed Media with Nick KimberFive sessions on the Second Friday of each month starting 14th February 2020 10.30pm - 1.00pm £45 per session or £200 for all five This series of workshops has been compiled for students who are new to designing their own work or those who need a kick start because of a creative block, which all of us have from time to time! By the end of the course you will have ideas on how you can produce your own original piece of work from the designs and samples that you have done over the 5 month course. A requirements list will be provided but most materials will be available on the day. If there is enough interest, it may be possible to extend the workshop into the afternoon. THERE ARE FIVE PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP Tambour BeadingSaturday 15th February 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65 Join Angela Woodget for a whole day of Tambour Beading. This delicate form of beading onto fabric can be used to enhance garments, make accessories or pictures. Angela will start with the basics in the morning and show you more advanced techniques in the afternoon.This class is perfect for beginners or those who wish to refresh their skills. THERE ARE TWO PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP PE Design with LisaSunday 16th February 202010.30pm - 1.00pm £35 Join Lisa to learn more about using Brother PE Design Software. This class is for those who know the basics of PE Design software for Brother Embroidery machines. On this class Lisa will be showing you how to import and digitize. Ask about our next beginners class. THERE ARE TWO PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP Yarn ForwardWednesday 19th February 202010.30pm - 1.00pm £10 Our regular Yarn Forward knitting and crochet social group. Bring your own yarn work along to knit or crochet and if you have any challenges, there will sure to be someone here who can help. Whatever your skill level, you can work that yarn and chat at the same time, and you always leave with a free gift! THERE ARE TWO PLACES AVAILABLE ON THIS SESSION Group 2 Zentangle with CarolineFriday 28th February 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65 For those who have been on one of our Zentangle® classes before, this workshop will take your knowledge further. Caroline McNamara, a certified Zentangle® tutor, will help you extend your skills. THERE ARE EIGHT PLACES AVAILABLE ON THIS WORKSHOP. Group 1 Zentangle with CarolineSaturday 29th February 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65For those who have been on one of our Group 1 Zentangle® classes before (our longest running group), this workshop will take your knowledge further. Caroline McNamara, a certified Zentangle® tutor, will help you extend your skills. THERE ARE SEVEN PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP. Machine Embroidery GroupSunday 1st March10.30pm - 1.00pm £10A series of informal monthly social groups to help you get the most from your embroidery machine. A different machine embroidery technique will be discussed each month. Bring along any challenges or questions you have, and there will bound to be someone here to answer them. This month we will be focusing Lining up borders and showing you how to make 'Stuffies'. THERE ARE THREE PLACES LEFT ON THIS SESSION Goldwork with WendySaturday 7th March 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65 Join Wendy on her latest journey into the wonderful world of goldwork embroidery. You will be stitching this exclusive design. Suitable whether you are a complete beginner or wish to refresh your skills.You are also THERE ARE EIGHT PLACES AVAILABLE ON THIS WORKSHOP Spinning with MicheleThursday 12th March 202010.30pm - 4.00pm £65 For those who are new to spinning, Michele will provide some prepared fibre and teach you to spin using a drop spindle. You will then be shown how to prepare your own fibre. After lunch you get to start spinning what you have prepared, and will have a little time on a spinning wheel. THERE ARE FIVE PLACES LEFT ON THIS WORKSHOP Powertex for Beginners with DeniseSaturday 21st March10.30pm - 4.00pm £70 Join Denise for a day of Powertex fun using fabric, Powertex and mixed media. All materials are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own items to include with your work. This workshop is aimed at complete beginners, but you are welcome to join if you already know how to use Powertex. THERE ARE SIX PLACES AVAILABLE ON THIS WORKSHOP Babylock Open Day with Jan WrightThursday 27th March 202010.30pm - 4.00pm FREE Jan Wright from Bablylock will be bringing a range of overlock and coverstitch machines to demonstrate. If there is a particular model you would like to see, let us know and we'll ask Jan to bring it with her. Booking isn't necessary, but if you would like to reserve a time for a personal demonstration, give us a call on 01268 523780 or contact us. Macrame Taster Session with RaySaturday 4th April10.30pm - 1.00pm £35 Join Ray for a fun-filled morning, when he will be showing you some of the basic knots used in Macrame using a variety of cords. THERE ARE SIX PLACES AVAILABLE ON THIS WORKSHOP Babylock Training 2020We are again offering our 'Learn to Love Your Overlocker' training on Thursday 30th April with Jan Wright from Babylock. On the following day, Friday 1st May, Jan will be holding Advanced Overlocker Training. Both these sessions are between 10.30 and 4.00 and will cost £50 each, with a £25 reduction on one session if you have purchased a Babylock Overlocker from Craft Arena (and not already had a discounted training). We were oversubscribed last year, so don't leave it too long to call 01269 523780 and book your place. THERE ARE FOUR PLACES LEFT ON EACH OF THESE CLASSES Alchemy GalleryContact us if you are interested in exhibiting in the Alchemy Gallery in 2020 or 2021. Future ExhibitionsMarch 2020: Craft Arena Workshop Exhibition April 2020: Tantalising Textiles 2020 May 2020: Denise Gannon - Inspired By September 2020: Liz Neave October 2020: Denise Gannon and Wendy Mansfield - Print & Stitch November 2020: Emily Johnson December 2020/January 2021: Minerva Textile Group Stellaire Innov-is XE1
Because embroidery is everything and we know you demand a professional finish every time, we’ve designed the Stellaire Innov-is XE1 embroidery machine just for you. With professional level embroidery technologies and more room to create, you’ll get a faster finish, perfect placement and fuss free stippling, whenever you sit down to embroider. Features include:
Find out more about the Stellaire XE1 here You can find more Brother promotions on the Brother website here. Ring me on 01268 523780 if you would like any more information. Don't forget I offer a consultation to help you choose the right machine for you plus free training with all machines over £200. Contact us to book a demonstration or for more information. |