Busy Times !

Hi everyone,

It’s been such a busy time for me recently, with lots of things going on.

So a quick catch up with you.

I went live on the Sewing Quarter a few weeks ago. A big thank you to Derek and the team for making me feel so welcome.

A few days after it was time for the Festival of Quilts. Absolutely amazing, thank you to everyone that came on my workshops and came to say hello. I’m looking forward to next year already 🙂

And then some of my favourite Quilts …….

Then I went on a relaxing holiday to Cape Verde. A stunning island with a beautiful sunset and friendly people 😍

I arrived home to a delivery of the Autumn edition of Art Quilting Studios magazine from America, with my rags to riches article in ….

My workshops and classes start again on Saturday and I’m really looking forward to seeing the kids. I’ll be planning the rest of the years workshops next week so I’ll keep you updated.

I’ll be exhibiting at Melbourne Art festival so please come and say hello if your nearby.

Also the tickets for the Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show have now gone on sale. You can book entry and workshop tickets here…..https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/harrogate/

That’s it for now,

Thanks for reading

Ami

xxx

Times flies……and then you realise you haven’t blogged for a month.

Hi everyone……..I’m still alive.

yet again it’s been a busy time, lots going on and by the time I come to blog I’m either to tired or just sleep 😂

Anyway at the moment I’m stuck upstairs whilst we have a new floor fitted downstairs (long story……huge leak) so now it’s the perfect time to sit and tell you what I’ve been up to.

Since the last blog post I’ve been exhibiting with the Midlands Textile Forum back in March at the Sewing for Pleasure Show at Birmingham’s NEC. The theme……’Equality’

I’ve been busy in the Sewing Studio with different workshops taking place.

patchwork cushions….

Rag bags….

And the Free Motion Workshop…..

I managed to fit a bit of coursework time in along the way…..

I’ve also had time finally to write up the instructions for my art quilt hare, these aren’t on my website as yet but will be very soon.

It’s was the Quilt and Stitch Show last Sunday. We went along because me and two other friends entered the themed category. We didn’t win but I’m very proud of them…..

Being so busy it’s nice to go somewhere nice on our day off. We’re lucky we’re on the edge of the national forest and also some many National Trust sites.

So this month we’ve made it to Sudbury Hall and Haddon Hall. Both in Derbyshire, both stunning and very inspiring….

So so what’s coming up next……

we’ll firstly it’s Belper Art Trail https://www.belperarts.org/ Continue reading “Times flies……and then you realise you haven’t blogged for a month.” →

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 Good Start To The Year!

Hi everyone,

It’s the second week into the new year and things are already getting busy.

Workshop bookings are coming in fast which is fantastic. I’m adding new workshops all of the time and you can find them all listed on http://Www.simplyneedlecraft.com

The Knitting & Stitching Show have also released all of the workshop details in March at Olympia Stadium…… so excited to be doing this I’m there for three days now with three workshops times.

https://www.theticketfactory.com/theknittingandstitchingshow-spring/online/?_ga=2.212526684.93495661.1515745898-1140815537.1506413652

My Etsy shop has a sale on throughout January with 15% off everything so please take a look….

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/textilesandyarn?ref=profile_

I’ve found time over the Christmas and New Year break to get stitching.

This first project is an experiment, not only experimenting to techniques but it’s about experimenting on mounting work too. It’s no easy to display textile art so I’m really just playing to see what works best for me…….it’s not finished yet so these are just progress photos…..

The second project I’ve been working on……Trinket/memory boxes made up of uses fragments of vintage materials and threads. I’ve loved making this and I’m turning them into kits for people to try at home…….and Poppy helped as well

Now for some exciting news…

I’m delighted to say I’m an organiser for the new art trail coming soon. Swadlincote Art & Architecture Trail is a two day event taking place on 21st&22nd 2018 in the town centre. We have just put our call out for artists to join us….

Please join us on Facebook to get all the details ……..website is currently being designed.

https://m.facebook.com/Swadlincote-Art-Architecture-Trail-2018-120826111951567/

It’s a busy start to the year but a very exciting one.

Thanks for reading,

Ami

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

It’s All About Getting Organised !

Hi everyone,

Its been a hectic few weeks but now things have calmed down and the Haberdashery has closed it’s now time to focus on my work.

I’m about to sit down and plan workshops in the Sewing Studio for next year. I’m also heading out around the country and dates will be announced very soon. I’m really excited and honoured to be attending big events …….watch this space

To make sure you don’t miss out on any workshops at the Sewing Studio please visit http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

On here you’ll be able to join my mailing list by filling in the subscribe box at the top of the page. I promise I do not spam or sell your details. This is used to send you the list of workshops.

Now talking about the Sewing Studio. Since the haberdashery closed its doors the Sewing Studio to me moved around and revamped to fit in everything needed for the workshops.

Luckily I’ve had the A Team to help me. Friends and family have helped me paint, move furniture, hang quilts and organising stock and spaces. Now the Sewing Studio is ready for its new chapter…..

In the middle of all the upheaval I took part in an interview/podcast with Stitchery Stories.

Stitchery Stories is owned by a lady called Susan who is passionate about textile arts. Each week she invites a textile artist to join her in an interview to share their experiences.

You can find my interview here http://www.stitcherystories.com/amijames/

It’s not long now to my last art exhibition of the year.

This time I’m not far away from where I live. It’s the Winter Open Studios at Bank Mills Studio in Derby https://www.banksmill.co.uk/

So I’ve been busy making things small items to go alongside my art quilts……brooch’s, notebooks and Christmas decorations….

So that’s it for now. Lots more planning and exciting news to come.

Thanks for reading

Ami

xxx
Continue reading “It’s All About Getting Organised !” →

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

Bishops Castle Lie of the Land Exhibition

Hi everyone,

Yes my first exhibition with Midlands Textile Forum started yesterday at Bishops Castle. I’m so excited to be part of this and I’m hoping to get to see it soon….

I had such a fantastic week last week. On Thursday we made the journey to the International Festival of Quilts where two groups of my sewing students entered.

I’m pleased to say both groups did amazingly well, the theme was ‘free’. The younger primary school aged group made a quilt of hot air balloons and kites and named it ‘Up, up & away. They received a highly commended.

My older group of secondary school ages made a 4 panelled quilt called ‘ Natures Wardrobe’. They won 3rd place.

I’m so proud of them ❤️

I’ve been busy hand stitching recently. I bit different for me and a break from machine stitching.

Thread painted landscape. This is a hand stitched version of my machined landscape.

And I finished my botanical fabric journal. I’ve loved making this sample book ready for my new workshop dates. Made from vintage fabrics, lace and threads and inspiration from garden centres and countryside.

All of my new workshop dates are now on the Haberdashery website, all dates, times, details and booking is available to see. Places are filling extremely quick…….Please see here

Its been a busy time and I haven’t managed to catch up on coursework so that’s the next task……hopefully.

thanks for reading

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……

I organising more workshops in free motion and many more in textile art and quilting very soon.

I promise to blog more often, I’ve got to learn time management I think 🙂

Thanks for reading

Ami

xxx

Shiny New Blog…..

Hi everyone,

Yes this is a new blog, I’m still blogging over at Simply Needlecraft a Haberdashery but I felt as I’m progressing more as a Textile Artist I really to keep you updated.

So here it is…..

If you don’t already follow me I better introduce myself.

My name is Ami (obviously). I’m 36 years old and live in Swadlincote, South Derbyshire with my hubby, son, Rowley the Beagle and Olivia the Pygmy Hedgehog.

I own Simply Needlecraft Haberdashery and Sewing Studio and I’m a Textile Artist.

My creative journey started in 2011 when I learnt to sew and became addicted to quilting.

Since then I’ve gained City & Guilds certificates in Hand Embroidery and Machine Embroidery – both techniques I use quite heavily in my work.

But at the moment I’m currently heading towards the end of a level three City & Guilds in Design and Stitch with Sian Martin.

I’m part of Midlands Textile Forum, which is full of very talented ladies. I’m honoured to be part of the group and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Art Quilts are my passion and I tend to stick to it but have been known to try different techniques.

All of my past work can be found on http://www.amijamestextileart.com

However now my blog is up and running I can now keep you updated with projects on the go, inspiration, methods and of course the parts that didn’t go to plan.

So this week my inspiration has been…..

Over the weekend we had a visit to Staunton Harold and Ferrers Centre and popped into the garden centre too.

I couldn’t help myself so I ended up taking lots of pics. So this was one of my favourites, the colours and textures are fascinating.

I really find drawing and painting the design out roughly really helps me to think of techniques and steps I need to take to get the design I want……

Two days of fabric dying, cutting and stitching I finally ended with an art quilt I’m happy with…..

I have lots of doodles in my sketch book to plan further floral quilts but time is short at the moment. But it’s definitely something I’ll come back to at a later date.

This week I’ve been in the Sewing Studio teaching Free Motion Embroidery for Beginners.

This is a great class. We start by making samples of different designs using straight and zig zag stitches. At the end of a two hour session they have created masterpieces to take home and gained experience and techniques that hopefully they will go on to use…..