Newsletter - March 2007

Welcome to our latest Newsletter. March has brought lots of rain around the country and although many visitors to The Lake District often comment that it always rains here, I am happy to report that we have also had some lovely spring sunshine. The milder weather has resulted in lots of early blooms including primroses, camellias, crocus, daffodils and the promise of a glorious display of forsythia with just a hint of vibrant golden yellow showing through. The gardens have been busy with birds and we have several pheasants which appear to be taking up residence with us! We have also sighted a pair of red squirrels feeding in the garden and are hopeful that they will stay and make a home here. Well, what else have we been up to in the last few weeks……………………………

‘You could hear a pin drop' at the weekend, the concentration was so intense!! No, not a life changing exam, but a Knitted Beaded Spectacle Case workshop with tutor Elaine Peel. However, once the techniques had been mastered, everyone went away with the knowledge to complete a lovely beaded purse and plenty of ideas on how to adapt the shape and size for other uses.

We had a trip to Birmingham in February to the Stitches Trade Fair. This was a first for us and we travelled by train (neither of us had been on a train for at least twenty years and the whole trip proved to be quite an experience!!). The fire alarm at our hotel going off before eight in the morning caused a bit of panic too! However, we met some very pleasant and helpful people and have returned with some great ideas for workshops and new products – more on these as they arrive.

Our first Block of the Month class went really well and we all felt as though we had achieved something. Barbara Slee is very patient, and realising that some of us have difficulty in doing anything in a straight line, she sent us off to do some homework!! Lunch is included on these days – it was so scrumptious we wonder if people will be coming to workshops for the lunches alone……………….Thank you to Ann for the wonderful homemade lunches…..including the lightest, yummiest chocolate cake imaginable!!!!! We didn't need supper that day!

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. We also have a good selection of fabric in stock with more to arrive soon, if you are interested please give us a ring and we can arrange a viewing for you.

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.

If you missed out on the Brambles Retreat in 2006 you may be interested to know that there is now a Brambles kit available as a Beautiful Bead Box, this is now in stock and costs £49.50 plus P&P. The kit contains full instructions and all the beads to make a luscious cuff, lariat and brooch embellished with brambles, flowers and leaves. Unfortunately, you don't get all the laughter and treats you got on the Retreat but at least now you don't have to miss out altogether!

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!

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.

Spring begins officially on March 21st and with the clocks "springing" forward an hour on March 25th let's hope that with the lengthening daylight hours we will get more sunshine and things will be warmer.

Until next time, enjoy your stitching and beading,

Best wishes

Beverley & Edna