A Grey Day Again :(

Hi everyone,

I’m really looking forward to the warmer weather now…..Winter seems to have been so long this time.

On the plus side it’s perfect weather to stay at home and sit behind the sewing machine.

My current project is a kaleidoscope quilt that has been ongoing for a few months. It’s all on my design wall but still needs to be pieced together…..

I’ve been working on it in between other projects. I’ve been thread painting on my new machine to see how it copes, plus I find it very relaxing and addictive……

If you’re visiting the Creative Craft Show – Sewing for Pleasure at Birmingham NEC this week, I have a few bits on display as part of the Midlands Textile Forums exhibition. We’re on stand L30, I’ll be there on the stand on Sunday morning. If your there please come and say hello 😘

I’m excited to say I’ll be teaching at the Festival of Quilts this year. I’ll be there for three days – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets go on sale on the 9th April for guild members and the 16th April for non members….

I’ve had some lovely feedback about my memory box kits and photos of finished boxes……

My kits are available from my website – https://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/store/p53/Memory%2FTrinket_Box_Full_Kit_.html

and also all of my workshop dates in the Sewing Studio- https://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/workshopsclasses.html

Thank you for reading, I hope to see you when I’m out and about.

Ami

xxx

Grabbing 5 Minutes Whilst Poppy is Sleeping!

Hi everyone,

I’m taking advantage of Poppy sleeping as she likes to type 😂🙄

Its been a busy time here as usual with lots going on.

Workshops over the last couple of weeks have included beginners sewing, Free Motion Embroidery and Vintage Botanical Fabric Journals…….

All of my workshops dates and craft groups info are available Here

My new kits have gone on sale. They contain everything you need to need the trinket box. Here….

I’ve been really busy in my new sewing room at home. It’s taking some getting used to having a space to sew however it’s getting in a creative mess already.

I finished my entry to the Uttoexter Quilt Show. The themed category is Myths and Fantasies and mine is named Excalibur …..

I’ve also finished my fabric, stitched collage called Northern Lights…..

And I’ve made a start on the quilt entry for the Festival of Quilts in August…… only made a start though…..

In between all of that I’ve dropped of a few bits of work to Banks Mills Studios Enterprise Centre for their new exhibition…..

And I’ve updated my exhibition dates on my website ……http://Www.amijamestextileart.com

I’ve got a fab competition running over on my Facebook page. I’ve got 5 tickets to give away for entry to the Knitting and Stitching Spring Show Competition

thanks for reading a very rushed blog post …….

Ami

xxx

A Quick Catch-up!

Hi everyone,

Its been a hectic few weeks with events and workshops.

I released some of my new dates for next year last week and I’m amazed how quickly to places are being booked. To see the workshops and dates please go to http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/workshopsclasses.html

We’ve had a couple of workshops running this week for botanical stitching and art quilting. I’ve had a wonderful time and I’ve met lovely people. Everyone’s left with a work of art…..

I spent last weekend at the Bank Mills Studio Winter Art Event in Derby. I met so many talented artists and artisans throughout the weekend.

The event ran from Friday night to Sunday and featured 100’s of different types of art. I was absolutely shattered but I loved every minute of it…..

Next week I’ve got a couple of workshops running for hand embroidery and vintage decorations. We’ve got the Making Memories Quilting Group running on Monday evening and the Craft & Chat Christmas meal on Thursday…….

But I’m still managing to work on my coursework……slowly but surely.

I’ve got a busy week coming up but I’m looking forward to every minute.

Thanks for reading ……keep warm.

Ami

xxxx

No Stitching Time For Me :( !

Hi everyone,

Its been non stop since I got back from my holiday, hence the lack of blogging.

Two days after I arrived home it I was straight off to Gotham for the Quilters Guild Regional Day. An amazing day filled full of quilting, demonstrations, talks and shopping……… I came away with lots of goodies.

I also become an Area Representative for Region 10. I really excited to part of the guild and it’s an honour to be a representative for them.

Following that I’ve set up a new quilting group in Swadlincote. The Making Memories quilting group will run on the first Monday of every month…..

Shortly after that I joined Sue from Stitchery Stories in a lovely interview which is all about what I’m up to, confidence issues and what the future holds. My podcast will be available from the 4th October and I’ll post the link as soon as I can.

The weekend after I took part in Melbourne Festival. A weekend with artists from all over the country. I met lots of inspirational people and artists. The hosts house was absolutely stunning….

I was joined in the Sewing Studio this week by lovely ladies wanting to master the art of free motion stitching. I’m extremely proud of this workshop and the popularity.

I’ve managed to grab a little bit of time to start updating my Etsy shop….. and I mean a little bit of time as there’s still not a great deal on there but my shop is ……….Textile and Yarn

but here’s a little look what’s available

So after all of that I’ve had no time to sit down and get creative…..I’m feeling that needs to change quickly. This is a far as I’ve got …….. I didn’t even thread my machine but at least it’s ready to go ……

Thanks for reading me waffling on, I really appreciate everyone’s support.

Ami

xxx

Busy Behind The Scenes!

Hi everyone,

I’ve not had chance to blog for a few weeks, things have been a bit hectic here.

My son started the summer holidays by dislocating his knee. He been very brave and in a lot of pain, so everything else took a back seat.

The Lie of the Land exhibition start on the 16th August so my piece has been packed and shipped to join the exhibition at Bishops Castle. I’m slightly nervous as this will be my first exhibition with the group. If your near or passing pop in and have a look.

I’m also getting ready for Melbourne Festival which takes place 16th and 17th September. I’ll be located at 52 Blanche Croft. I’ve still got a few pieces at the framers but a couple have already been returned ….

At the moment I’m concentrating on my hand stitched botanical fabric journal.

im using upcyled and vintage fabrics, lace and threads. I’ve still got plenty to stitch but I’m making good progress…

My latest workshop in the Sewing Studio was the extremely popular, free motion for beginners workshop. I was joined by four lovely ladies who were eager to get to grips with free motion stitching.

I love this workshop, it’s fun, creative, inspiring and everyone leaves feeling very proud and rightly so……