May 2025 Newsletter

Hey lovely stitchers!

Firstly a big "hello" to all my new subscribers! How is it May already!

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 regular 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 know I've taken a much longer break from sending out my newsletters than I was hoping too, I've just been so busy and as you will see from my personal section, having a medical issue which has just mean I've had to focus on getting the 'must does' rather than 'would be nice' things done. I may move to a bi-monthly or Quarterly newsletter to give myself a bit less pressure to do them on a monthly basis.

Our group exhibition at RWA Bristol

Our Group exhibition is now open in Bristol (see poster above) and is looking fabulous, there is anther big textiles exhibition on at the same time so you will have lots to see if you take a trip to Bristol. I plan to be there stewarding on the 1st of June if you want to meet me and talk about my work in person.

What's Been Happening at Fairy Wren

I've been continuing work on my summer school designs for the Royal School of Needlework, I can finally share these and they are all "Inspired by the RSN Archive and Collection". These designs are Exclusive to the RSN for two years but that means if you can't make the first running it will be offered again. Sign up is open and there are still spaces available but the Tudor Rose is proving very popular so if you've been thinking about it I recommend signing up soon so you don't miss out.

The first two new designs are suited to beginners and the Rose is for advanced stitchers.

I have lots of new class designs awaiting the outcome of the selection process but there's been no time to sample any of the new designs and some are older classes I'm bring back after a break, so keep an eye out for New classes coming soon. I may have to take a break between September and January for In person classes, more on that below.

I also completed my Level 3 in adult education course, just in the nick of time with my husband helping me with my micro teaching session. He thoroughly enjoyed starting to stitch my Christmas wreath design.

Personal

I'm still continuing to work on my quilt, I spotted a mistake and had to unpick...no idea how I managed that!

Hand quilting practice

I've also been giving myself a refresher on hand quilting, its been a while and entirely self taught (I'm awaiting training to be arranged by the RSN for C&D tutors, which I am working towards becoming). I'm also looking to run a Sashiko course in the next year so its been useful as its not dissimilar.

I also made myself a tool case as my current one was not suitable and sometimes when I'm teaching even though a tool may not typically be needed obviously there's times when I wish I had a tool and I've not taken it as it can't fit so now I have one big enough to take everything, needed or not.

New tool case...the pattern is Running with Scissors designed byannie.

Cutting a long story short (it is a very long story), it seems I have a hip impingement which I am still awaiting the final diagnosis and next steps for, I should know in early July. I had a small diagnostic procedure and injection on Monday which has provided some, if temporary relief. It has meant I've been unable able to get on the treadmill at all last couple of months, it become so much a part of my schedule that I miss doing it. Some days when its at it worst, since easter, I can only hobble around the house on crutches but it seems the treadmill made the issue a lot worse, despite me losing over a stone in weight.

Artistic Practice

Unfortunately there's not much to share here as I've been so busy working on summer school its had to take a back seat. Ideas are still forming and the subject has been chosen, thanks to the kindness of photographer Tim Walker I have permission to use one of his photos as a starting point so watch this space.

What's Coming Up

My next class is a Beginners Box Making Class, We had great fun making this in the online class but if you are UK based there is still time and places to sign up for the in person version.

You can choose the initial you want on the top and work a Nigella Flower, this is perfect for beginners in both embroidery and box making so if you've wanted to give box making a go this is your chance!

I finished mine within the session so there is a very good chance you will complete within the two days. I've added a new photo with the new fabric that's in the kit.