January 2025 Newsletter

A Glimpse into My Embroidery World

My Coronation Goldwork

Hey lovely stitchers!

I've decided to shake things up a bit and write a proper newsletter! So a big "hello" to my new subscribers!

I would love this to be a collaborative community so do you have a general embroidery question you want answered in my next newsletter or maybe you have finished one of my kits, can I share it in my newsletter? I would love a student showcase section. Just hit reply or message on my socials. Feel free to share your ideas and events with me, my inbox is always open!

I only went full time (more or less) back in September when my youngest son started school. Before then I've been working around the stretched funded pre-school hours so it's been hard work trying juggle and make sure everything in my schedule is completed on time...this has meant that some things have been neglected, like you my dear readers, but this is about to change with a new monthly (hopefully) newsletter rather than AI generated marketing emails (yuck!).

What's Been Happening at Fairy Wren

My Spring Flowers class sample

So for the last few weeks since just before Christmas I've been working on my summer school designs for the Royal School of Needlework, I can't share these yet as they are still going through the selection process but you wont be disappointed with whichever they choose.

I've also been teaching my online collage class, we created some lovely pieces which I will share on my socials once finished.

I've also been packing up the kits for my Spring Flowers class, which frustratingly, the in person event has had to be re-scheduled (new details below) due to the Palace having to close for a four day special event (top secret so even I only have a few limited bits of info🤫). No, its not Bridgerton filming, as you may have guessed, I'm a fan and so I did ask! I did have the pleasure of meeting one of the costumiers at an event in October, a few of us may have Fan girled slightly....oops!🙈🤣

As the Spring Flowers class was fully booked if some students can't make the new date we will re-open the booking so keep an eye out if you missed out the first time.

Personal

English Paper Pieced Quilt

Before I flew off to teach at ISS24 in Lexington last year I prepared a load of fabric and paper diamonds to start an English Paper Pieced Quilt, I managed to cover all 160ish on the flight over (using basting glue, I'm not that mad!). Anyway I've been continuing to work on my quilt which is now about 1/5 the size of a double duvet....yes because I just can't get enough of stitching I have to do something in the evenings!

I've also been concentrating on my health recently, nothing serious but in September I became closer to becoming Type 2 Diabetic, despite trying to bring it down. I made some further changes to my daily working routine which I have found more than manageable. Everyday, instead of taking an hour for lunch I walk/jog on my treadmill for 30 mins, usually while watching tv shows I can't watch when the kids are up because they are "boring" and my husband doesn't exactly enjoy Bridgeton either! Because I do spend a lot of time sitting I've found this helps me avoid aches and pains, so I hope to build more exercise in over time.

In 3 months, along with small food changes (hubby was understanding but not too happy about the lack of Mince pies!), I've managed to bring my levels back to normal 🎉

If you have the same issue or something else, I highly recommend listening too or reading the book The compound Effect by Darren Hardy.

Artistic Practice

The back of my finished Portrait

I can't say too much about this right now but, she's done, She will be revealed in the next newsletter and more info in the RSN March E-news, so if you haven't signed up or you know someone who would enjoy either then please do share with them! I will give more details about my inspiration and intricate details in my March Newsletter so if you have any questions please do send them too me and I will try and include as many as I can.

What's Coming Up....

My Spring Flowers Class is now Scheduled for the 23rd of March, In person and from the 13th March online (there are still a few spaces).