Reg's Renditions
I had a mass of notes prepared for this newsletter and unfortunately, I left them on a train (I can’t be left out of the current trend for losing secret documents!) Having to re-think led me towards items which are green and eco-friendly. Whilst it is easy to be cynical regarding the global effect of any efforts we may make as individuals, it is surely better than doing nothing. Following the eco theme, a number of knitting yarn manufacturers are using a variety of unusual fibre sources including bamboo and soya protein. There is also a move towards the use of natural dyes produced from vegetable extracts, pulp and fruit peel. Digressing slightly, I came across an item regarding a company producing paper from elephant dung. The product is sold as Ellie Poo Paper and is suitable for home printers, craft projects etc. This brings a whole new meaning to scented note paper. As you may have realised, anything slightly out of the ordinary has an appeal for me. When opening the post recently, there were several advertising leaflets. I was just about to put them in the re-cycling bin when one headed FINE CELL WORK, caught my eye. Apparently, inmates in various prisons around the country have been trained in needlework and are offering a finishing service for tapestries and they also undertake commissions. As the leaflet says, “one thing that the prisoners are not short of is time”. Obviously a step up from sewing mail bags. Fine Cell Work is a registered charity and they are having a stand at the Knitting & Stitching show at Alexandra Palace!!
Workshops and Courses
As you will see from the new programme, the cost of attending a workshop has risen; rising costs in energy and daily overheads etc. have forced the issue for us. We have managed to keep the cost static for many years, and we hope to hold the fees at this new level for quite some time to come.
The Demise of 'The Trolley Dollies'
There is some good news for those of you attending workshops that use sewing machines*…….we are equipping our workshop with enough machines for everyone to use. We came to this decision as parking outside the shop to drop off your machines can sometimes be difficult and negotiating Loughborough’s one-way system can also be tricky if you are not familiar with the area. You are always welcome to bring your own
machine if you prefer. (We will however, miss the sound of your trolleys trundling down the street.) *This applies to sewing classes only and unfortunately, not Pfaff machine embroidery sessions where you will still need to bring your own machine.
Christmas in June
A big thank you to everyone who came to our workshops during Midsummer Madness Week. We had a lovely time and hopefully you have all made a head start on your Christmas preparations. It was a shame to take down the fairy lights and switch off the carols, but we are already planning a repeat performance next year, complete with Santa hats!
Knitting
The new yarns for the Autumn will be arriving in August and September from Rowan, Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding Noro and Coat Patons. These are absolutely beautiful in both colour and texture, it is a struggle to chose our favourites. The patterns for these yarns are also wonderful and the majority are quite simple, many suitable for the beginner who wishes to progress from scarves. It is so encouraging to see these companies going forward in such an exciting way, confident that knitting and crochet are continuing to grow in popularity. The fluffy scarves of a few years ago have all but disappeared, but they have been replaced by yarns and designs that will stand the test of time.
Wig-Jig for Beading
A remarkable gadget to use with wire. You can make amazing shapes to embellish with your beads. If you are interested in please call in and ask Chris to show you just how easy it is.
Website
Our website is being transformed! It is to be launched in August and will be constantly updated so we can keep you informed of new arrivals, special offers etc.
News from DMC
There has been speculation regarding the future of DMC needlecraft, with some retailers talking of problems getting threads and wools etc. This has not been our experience at all, and we have received assurance that the needlecraft side of this huge global company is secure
Winnie the Pooh
Just arrived...new cross stitch design book from DMC
Next Workshop Programme
The list of classes running from next January will be available from 1st November 2008.
Again, we will not be routinely mailing them out to everyone, mainly because we are finding more and more people are using the internet, and also the cost both financially and in terms of paper. However, as before, if you do not have internet access, please send us a stamped addressed envelope by the end of October and we will happily post one to you. (If you would like information by e-mail, please let us have your e-mail address.)
Decoupage Cards
When many people think of decoupage, they love the stunning results, but find all of the cutting out somewhat tedious….not anymore. Gill has sourced some beautiful die-cut decoupage designs. These are sheets with ‘push out’ pieces which you then layer as usual. There are several designs on a sheet and they are relatively inexpensive with some sheets of four designs selling for £1.25. Please call in and browse through the ever growing selection of designs, not surprisingly, the Flower Fairies are proving to be extremely popular.