December 2014 Newsletter

Wow…. A huge thank you to all those of you who helped us celebrate our first birthday.  The day was an overwhelming success and we hope that you all enjoyed it as much as we did.  We even had a bottle of Bubbly left over which I am sure someone had kept especially! It was also lovely to see lots of new visitors to the shop, with lots of names on the mailing list. Your generous contributions of food, exhibits, laughter and amazing comments have since persuaded me that perhaps Thimblestitch should have a special day every year.

Sarah and Lesley were in charge of nibbles and drinks, there was such a variety of homemade biscuits left over we have enough to keep our tuck box filled for weeks.  The day before Bee, Sarah and Christine worked hard to mount the exhibition of textiles upstairs in the Workshop using a wide range of ingenuity to display the intricate and bold creations, they were much admired and offered inspiration to many of you.  Included was the UFO swop, with much oohing and ahhing the assorted bags quickly found new homes, and, we hope, have given you a challenge for 2015.  I look forward to seeing your results. Marie has already finished her Christmas Tree!

Many thanks go to; Dee who cut fabric all day,  Zoe J who put away the bolts when Dee had finished cutting, (sometimes even before!) and offered chocolates in her spare time, all with a huge smile.  Maureen handed out Bubbly Thimbles and still went home with all sensibilities.  Juliet and Jodie manned the till,  booked workshops and kept us all Calm.

The Thimblestitch lucky dip was another source of inspiration for many, maybe to be transfigured into a bag, cushion or hanging.  There will be plenty of workshops in 2015 where they can be utilised.

Marie’s UFO

Christmas Tree

With many lovely prizes in the Raffle the tickets sold rapidly, the first prize a Workshop, second prize, a Thimblestitch Gift Voucher, jelly rolls, charm packs the list goes on. I still have a few prizes that need to be picked up from the shop. My thanks also to Janet who managed the two raffles with aplomb, and I have just received a phone call from Sheila Morgan who won the Breast Cancer Campaign Quilt which Janet was raffling, Sheila’s husband Peter wants it known that he bought the ticket!!
I hope that I haven’t forgotten anyone.

Forthcoming Workshops

Please note due to demand from  January 2015, a deposit will secure your workshop place and four weeks prior to commencement all Classes must be paid in full.  Refunds will only be made if Thimblestitch can fill your booking. If a Workshop is cancelled by Thimblestitch due to lack of demand, or circumstances beyond our control a full refund will be given.

Maggie with her Christmas Wreath.

Selection of Printing Blocks used on Dee’s printing Day

Silk Trail Day

Friday 9th January – Learn to Rag Rug with Zoe Hughes. Learn the technique of Rag rugging. Design and start your own rug made from treasured cast offs. This course is suitable for beginners. Full see new date below.
Saturday 10th January – Beginners and Improvers Crochet with Barbara Brook.  Whether you are a total beginner or would like to brush up on the crochet granny taught you years ago.  Barbara is a very experienced and knowledgeable tutor who will gladly guide you through to your first piece of crochet. Few spaces left.
Friday 23rd  January  – Computerised Sewing with Chris Peckham.  Do you own a computerized sewing machine that has not fulfilled its potential?  Chris has invaluable knowledge and patience to enable you to familiarize and gain confidence in the use of your machine.
Saturday 24th January – Roman Blinds with Karen Fanzo. Learn to make a simple roman blind. This class is FULL

Wednesday 28th January – A Riot of Colour with Sandra Coleridge. Just what it says on the tin!!  Laying down  vibrant  wool, on the embellisher you can create your own beautiful woven masterpiece.  Hand or machine sewn to enhance the detail.  Sandra can provide not only her expertise but the embellishing machines for you to use.  Come along and learn a new skill.

Saturday 31st January – Journal/Scrapbook Mummy and Me with Karen Fanzo. Learn how to make a lovely handmade cover that will be the envy of all your friends.  Also easy printing techniques to colour the pages.  Mum and Me is an opportunity for you and your child or grandchild to learn together.
Tuesday 3rd February – Beginners and Improvers Crochet with Barbara Brook.  As above.
Wednesday 4th February, 7-9pm – Dressmaking For Beginners and Improvers with Karen Fanzo. This six week course will take you back to the basics of dressmaking. You will be making wearable garments using printed patterns to cut out, piece and assemble and make an article of clothing of your choice. Along the way, Karen will include skills of inserting zips, setting sleeves and making darts.  Karen will also show you the most appropriate seam techniques.   This class is suitable for all skill levels.  The three earlier classes are full there are a few left on this one.

 

 

 

Saturday 14th February – Owl and Pussycat with Gemma Fletcher.  Mixed Media suitable for all abilities this is a fun day using household papers, paint and stitch. We will explore various painting techniques before using simple construction methods to build our ‘Pea Green Boats’ using Pelmet Vilene. We will continue to work using collage and lots of stitching to complete the scene. Embellishing with free-machine embroidery, buttons, beads and shells will only add to the fun!

Saturday 21st February – Calico Book Covers with Dee Priest. Print and hand stitch to make a simple but effective book cover, using a mixture of calico and your similar fabric, using printing blocks which Dee can provide to enhance the finished article.  This is suitable for beginners who wish to explore various mixed media.

Saturday 28th February  – Free Motion Quilting for Beg and Imp with Jean Bartlett. This workshop is full, but is repeated on 14th March.

Thursday 12th March– Learn to Rag Rug with Zoe Hughes. . Learn the technique of Rag rugging. Design and start your own rug made from treasured cast offs. This course is suitable for beginners.

Saturday14th March – Free Motion Quilting for Beg and Imp Beginners. Jean takes you through the skills to improve your free motion stitching.

Friday 20th March – Stitch and Design with Gwen Hartley. Today you will be concentrating on Sketchbooks.  This will offer you that chance to record your creative ideas, thoughts and information into one cohesive book, including drawings, photographs collages, painting, embroidery and favourite fabrics.  There are two places available on this very popular course.  Beginners welcome.

Saturday 28th March – Paper and Lace with Gemma Fletcher. Gemma will be using fabric and paper to create a special work of art. More details to follow.

Friday 10th April – Machine Trupunto with Jean Bartlett.  See Website for more details.

Sat 11th and Sun 12th April –  Exploring Velvet with Angie Hughes. Please do have a look at Angie Hughes website for more information and inspiration.

Friday 1st May – Fantasy Follies with Sandra Coleridge. Using the embellisher, make yourself this beautiful whimsical folly.  Sandra is able to provide embellishing machines upon booking.  Suitable for Intermediate.

Work in Progress – Do not forget the Work in Progress days held during each  month.  These days will give you an opportunity to overcome the brick wall you may have encountered, learn new skills and meet like minded Thimblestitchers.  Check the website for details of these days.

Christmas Opening – We shall be open until Christmas Eve for your last minute shopping and Gift Vouchers.  Closed over the holiday period until Thursday 2nd January 2015.
FROM THE NEW YEAR WE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAYS, OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY INCLUSIVE 10AM – 4PM.

We would like to wish all Thimblestitch customers a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year, we look forward to seeing you from 2nd January

Zoe