Well What A Year 2017 Has Been For Me !

Hi everyone,

As we’re fast approaching 2018 it’s been nice to sit down and think about my last blog post for the year.

Its been such a fantastic year for me as a Textile Artist. I’ve been busier than ever.

This year I have taken part in Belper Art Trail, Derbyshire Open Arts, Melbourne Festival and Winter Open Studios at Banks Mills Studios in Derby. It’s been a first for me as I’ve have applied to be part of an art event.

I’m looking forward to being a part of these events in 2018

Another first for me is being part of a textile art group. Earlier this year I applied to become part of the textile group – The Midlands Textile Forum. I travelled over to Birmingham for an interview and a few weeks later I became a full exhibiting member of the group.

My first exhibition with them was themed ‘Lie of the Land’ and went on display in Bishops Castle back in August. We have various exhibitions coming up in 2018 …….

I put forward my art quilt – ‘Mother Earth’

In September this year I became the Area Representative of Region 10 for the Quilters Guild. I’m honoured to be part of this and really looking forward to organising and planning events for next year.

Another first for me is being interviewed for a podcast. I delighted to take part in an interview with the lovely Susan from Stitchery Stories. It’s an interview about my whirlwind of a year, confidence issues and what’s next for me http://www.stitcherystories.com/amijames/

The workshops I run in the Sewing Studio have been so busy this year. I’m overwhelmed how quickly the places get booked up. I’ve got so many found memories of them all.

My new dates are available on the website http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

I’m still working on my coursework but not too much more to go. It’s been hard work trying to fit it in but I’m getting there and more importantly I’m really enjoying it.

Everything that has happen this year has opened doors for me next year.

Im really excited to be traveling around to teach. I’ve got some many brilliant venues coming up. Next year starts again with me doing something for the first time but this time it’s…….😊