Newsletter: June 2008

Hello everyone!
 
It is ages since we have sent a newsletter, we have been so busy and time is flying by at an alarming rate!
 
Here is a quick update on what is coming soon.
 
Woolfest 2008 – we will be having a stand at Woolfest 2008 – this is a wonderful event and if you love wool/sheep/textiles it is a must! We will have lots of tempting goodies and Elaine Peel will be displaying her fabulous tassels and demonstrating too! Our stand is F115 – 117, call by and say hello.
 
Fobbles Exhibition We are holding an exhibition of needlecrafts, beadwork and patchwork on Thursday 3rd July 2008 between 7 and 9 pm and also on Thursday & Friday, 4th & 5th July between 10am and 4 pm. Entrance is £1.00 and all proceeds will be going to our local church – St Paul's, Irton. Please come along and see what our students have produced, find out about our courses and events and support our local church at the same time! On the Thursday evening there will also be a Coffee Evening next door at Gubbergill – also in aid of St Paul's.
 
My Stitching Album Stitch-a-Long Are you a fan of Jeannette Douglas Designs from Canada? She is bringing out a wonderful new project entitled My Stitching Album. This collectible series consists of eight new patterns released bi-monthly from September 2008 to November 2009. Eight beautiful patterns, each in a different stitch manipulated in a variety of ways with assorted colours. The completed patterns are joined with the front and back cover and this album becomes a testament to your talent. On the practical side, it also becomes your Stitching Kit, as pockets on the lined backing of each pattern can hold treasured stitching tools. This will make a great handbook for the well-known stitches that make up many of our samplers. Thread packs will be available with each release as will some special stitching tools – these are optional, you decide what you would like.
 
We have been in touch with Jeannette and she is thrilled that we are going to take part in this project. We already have several stitchers interested and thought it would make a great group project. Details need to be ironed out but we are thinking of a few informal get-togethers here at Fobbles, a Yahoo Group to enable anyone to join in and there is a possibility of one or maybe two weekend breaks where we can all meet up, stitch and swap ideas – yes, I know, any excuse for a stitching get-away! These weekends could be anywhere – it depends who joins and where would be a good gathering place!
 
We are working on the costs and full details will be posted on our website, or posted snail mail if you request this, as soon as they are ready – this will definitely be after the Woolfest and Exhibition…..just as soon as we have some breathing space!
 
 Subscribe to this project through Fobbles and receive some added extras, make new stitching friends and create this heirloom in great company! If you would like to join in please do get in touch and let us know. You would be able to join in later but may miss out on something along the way. If you wish to start with the group in September than we need to know before the end of July, please.
 
Further details will be added to the website as soon as we have got organised but in the meantime you can see some pics on Jeannettes' website at www.jeannettedouglas.com
 
2009 Workshops – we have been busy organising some wonderful workshops for you, here is a quick preview:
 
16 – 19 March 2009 Kumihimo for Beginners and Beyond with world expert Jacqui Carey – not to be missed, very limited places to enable everyone to have lots of individual tuition.
 
20 – 23 April 2009 Variations on Log Cabin – a four day patchwork workshop with tutor Barbara Slee.
 
19 – 21 May 2009 Beaded Tassels – a three day tassel workshop with tutor Elaine Peel – back by popular demand!
 
The above workshops will be held at Fobbles in our own purpose built workshop, B&B accommodation can be arranged nearby – please ask for details/prices.
 
Residential Retreats at Muncaster Castle in 2009 include:
 
20 – 25 September 2009 Embroidered Books with tutor Isobel Hall. This promises to be a fabulous workshop where you will learn lots of techniques and gain loads of inspiration.
 
1 -6 November 2009 Beadwork Retreat with tutor Jill Devon. We have no idea of the subject yet but Jill's Retreats and always great events and book up very quickly so don't delay if you would like to join us.
 
There will be limited day places available on the Muncaster Retreats.
 
2008 Workshops:
 
We still have a few places remaining on the following workshops, if you are interested please ring or email for details and availability:
 
9 – 10 August 2008 Tags for Bags & Books with Isobel Hall
 
16 – 17 August 2008 Stumpwork Shepherd & Sheep with Doreen Holmes
 
1 – 3 September 2008 Felted Bags with Bev Beattie
 
27 September 2008 Stained Glass Patchwork with Chris Gash
 
18 October Crazy Cat Patchwork with Helen Prescott
 
8 November 2008 Christmas Crackers Beadwork with Elaine Peel
 
As always, if you are travelling far please ask us about local B&B.
 

Well, that's it for now, remember if you would like to learn something new or brush up on your skills, let us know what type of classes you would like. If you are looking for specific needlework, beading or patchwork products, drop us an email or phone us – we have far more products in the shop than we are able to show on the website and we may have just what you are looking for!
 
We look forward to seeing you or hearing from you soon, have a wonderful weekend,
 
Best wishes
 
Beverley & Edna