Newsletter - April 2007

Welcome to our latest Newsletter, we hope you all enjoyed the Easter holidays. We had wonderful weather here in the Lake District and we managed to find time for some walks, including a wonderful walk through woodlands carpeted with daffodils and wood anemones – idyllic! The mild weather has seen the gardens and countryside come alive with colour, the daffodils have put on a wonderful display this year thanks to the lack of wind and heavy rainfall. The weather is still gorgeous, and I am sitting out in the sunshine typing this on my laptop amidst bird song and busy bumble bees. We spied the first pair of returning swallows this morning, always a good sign that spring is here and summer is on the way. I am happy to report that the pair of red squirrels are still visiting our garden several times a day. Well, what else have we been up to in the last few weeks……………………………
 
Our weekend with Elaine Peel learning how to make Beaded Tassels was most enjoyable and some spectacular tassels were produced! If you would like to attend one of these tassel weekends, give us a ring and we can let you know when we hold the next one.
 
We have now had three Block of the Month classes and everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves (even Barbara, although we tend to run her ragged and make her work all day, we think she just comes for her lunch really). Some wonderful blocks have been produced, we will take some photos next time and put them on the website.
 
We now have supplies of patchwork tools in stock, including Olfa cutting mats, Olfa rotary cutters (including spare blades), flower headed pins and Omnigrip rulers – we love these - they may appear a little expensive in comparison with some, but their stability is definitely worth the extra. Edna has been busy making specially co-ordinated fabric packs in various colourways, these contain 5 fat quarters of top quality cottons at a special price of £10.50. All of these fabrics are also available in full meters and half meters. The packs are also suitable for those needleworkers who like a nice variety of fabrics for finishing needlecraft smalls, such as needlecases, pincushions, flat-folds, etc. Also great for box making.
 
Issue 3 of Bead magazine is now in stock and includes 9 fantastic projects for you to make.
 
Our Botanical Extravaganza Retreat with Jill Devon in June is now full, Jill has been booked to come again in 2008 so if you are interested please let us know and we will send you the details as soon as they are finalised.
 
Elaine Peel is back with us again on June 26th 2007 with her Fabulous Felted Jewellery workshop. Make needle-felted jewellery – no water, no mess, just fun! This class will run 10am – 4pm and includes a delicious home-cooked lunch – places still available – ring to secure yours now!
 
We are now taking bookings for the Calico Gardens Embroiderers' Bag classes with tutor Irene Coulthard. Places are booking up quickly so let us know if you would like to take part. There will be three classes, June 25 and August 13 & 14. We have seen the finished bag and the embellishments and it is stunning! Don't miss this workshop!
 
Are you looking for any textile/craft/gardening books? If so, drop us an email or give us a ring, we may be able to help as we now have several suppliers. I thought I would add gardening books to this as I know lots of stitchers, quilters and beaders also love to garden!
 
We have a special offer for you this month: we are offering you 15% off any Laurel Burch bag which we have in stock – it must be IN stock to be eligible. Some of these bags have now been discontinued so if you see one you like act now! We have altered the prices on the website so the price you see includes the discount.This offer will end on 20th May 2007.
 
Don't forget that this year's Woolfest will be held on 29 & 30 June 2007 – well worth a visit for anyone who loves textiles and, of course, wool! We are having a stand there again this year, please pop by and say hello we would love to see you.
 
Thank you for all of your kind and encouraging comments following the last newsletter, we do welcome your feedback, both good and bad. If there is anything you would like included in our newsletters, please let us know. Perhaps you know of an event which you feel others may be interested in or you have some crafty news you would like to share? Let us know and we will include it if we can. If you have any ideas for classes/workshops you would like to attend or anything which you would like to see in our shop, please give us a ring or send us an email.
 
Until next time, enjoy your stitching and beading,
 
Best wishes
 
Beverley & Edna