Newsletter - September 2006

August has been a busy month for the Thursday Beaders who were asked to give some demonstrations of their bead work. The first was at the lovely Irton church, on their Field Day, which is held every year to raise funds for the up-keep of the church. Normally, there are wonderful views of the Wasdale valley and surrounding mountains but unfortunately the mist was quite low down this year. The ladies put on a very colourful display which created a great deal of interest and complimentary comments. The second demonstration was at the local agricultural show, where they have a popular craft and needlework section, and hopefully the ladies will have encouraged some more people to take up the cause!!

Our evening Beadwork for Beginners classes will be starting at the end of September, places are limited but if you would like to come along please get in touch soon! We are starting to work out our programme of events and workshops for next year. If any of you have any thoughts about what you and your friends would like to try, please let us know and we will see what we can do to arrange it! This could be something you have fancied having a go at or just needing some inspiration for an existing hobby e.g.: beading, patchwork, box making, crewel work, embroidery and textiles, knitting, there is so much out there. For those people who are not local, accommodation is available for over night stays and we are an attractive, friendly, area to visit.

We have some interesting and useful books on the website, with beginner's books for many different needlecraft activities. If you don't see what you are looking for then call us and we may be able to help.

If you haven't already, do look at the beautiful lampwork bead sets, handmade for us by Judith Johnston. The colours are so distinctive and unusual and could be made up into some gorgeous, individual, jewellery, maybe a pendant with matching ear rings, or a sumptuous necklace.

We have the Bead Merchant kits which are very useful for those who haven't got an enormous stash of beads at home but want to try something different. They always use such vibrant colours and involve many different techniques. We will be adding some of their new kits shortly but if the one you want is not displayed on the site please contact us. Don't forget our BRAMBLES RETREAT with tutor Jill Devon on 29th October to 3rd November 2006 (see events page).

We are pleased to announce that we are now stocking Shepherd's Bush embroidery kits and charts. If you are not familiar with them, please have a look at the website where you will see a selection of needleroll and scissor fob kits. These beautiful kits contain all the fabric, threads, beads, lace, etc you need and many include special charms to add the finishing touch to your project. The scissor fob kits even come with matching scissors! These would also make a fabulous present for a stitching friend – if you can bear to part with them! Coming soon will be a range of Shepherd's Bush samplers – these are stunning. We can supply the full range from Shepherd's Bush so if there is something you would like, please get in touch, if we haven't got it in stock we will be happy to order it for you.

I know it is too early to mention the Christmas word but for those of us who like to try and be a little organised we have added a number of products to the on-line shop which could just help to solve a few problems. These include: Beautiful magnetic needle minders which you can attach to your work and keep your needles to hand whilst you stitch or bead; Cute, inexpensive key rings for the enthusiastic stitcher or knitter; Gorgeous handmade fruitwood thread keepers (these are flying off our shelf!). Keep a close eye on the shop in the next few weeks and we should have more ideas for that perfect gift!!

The leaves are starting to fall and the evenings are getting darker sooner, sure signs for those winter projects to be planned and prepared, and also time to get together again with friends (and make new ones) whilst at classes and workshops.

Happy Beading and Stitching,

Beverley and Edna

Stop Press: Due to an almost last-minute unavoidable cancellation we have a twin-bedded ensuite room available on our Brambles Retreat, 29th October to 3rd November 2006. If you would like to join us please get in touch by telephone or email for full details.