Blog | Simply Needlecraft Haberdashery & Sewing Studio

Getting Everyone Involved !

Hey,

Weekly waffle time……. the weeks are flying by, I can’t believe it’s 34 days until Christmas 🎄

This week has been all about creating projects for Stitch School and our VIP members group.

The first Stitch School packages were sent out this week and I’ve had amazing feedback……… to get your kids involved visit https://www.simplysewingboxes.com/the-stitch-school/

Then it was time to get a project ready for our VIP members …….

sneaky peak off next months project 😊 https://www.simplysewingboxes.com/shop/

Our craft challenge is still going strong over on Facebook…….. we’re at day 17 already.

Im still on the self care mission, it’s going well. Hot chocolate, bubble baths, reading, canine cuddles, candles it’s working a treat so far.

I’m a bit stuck on which book to read next……..any suggestions.

21st November 2020/0 Comments/by Ami Porter

children's sewing bee

It’s All About Balance ………

Hey everyone,

Weekly Ami waffle time 😊

Wow what a week, so much has been happening…….the short version….

unpacking a wool order takes so long

Stitch School is about to be launched today 😊 so there’s been lots of filming and packing craft parcels.

if you’ve not heard My Stitch School has now be opened up to all children in the UK. It’s perfect for children age 7 years and upwards. They will receive a craft parcel each month with all the supplies they will need to make the project I set for them, this is backed up with a video tutorial……. hand sewing and machine sewing options available.

5 video tutorials filmed this week, welcome letters written, patterns printed 😊 https://www.simplysewingboxes.com/the-stitch-school/

We’re still able to offer a click and collect service and mail order so I’ve been busy packing everyone’s orders……. thank you to everyone that has placed an order ……..http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

its been a busy week and I’ve loved every minute, however it’s important to me that I have a healthy work/life balance and it’s not been the best over the last few months so this week I’ve took extra care……

1. New extremely fluffy duvet set

2. oil diffuser with a mood light

3. loads of bubbles in the bath

4. reading

5. facemasks

6. Hot chocolate

7. candles

8. film time (jingle jangle)

along with doing something creative everyday as part of our Craft Challenge I’ve got running over on Facebook my page followers…… everyone’s doing amazing.

So my question to you all is ……..

What’s your favourite way to kick back and relax and recharge ?

end of waffle ……….

Stay safe

Ami

xxx

15th November 2020/by Ami Porter

behind the scenes, children's sewing bee, home makes, in the haberdashery

Round Two

Here we are again in round two in of restrictions.

Dont panic though……. I’m determined to help where I can.

We’re still able to send out orders and run a click & collect service, head over to http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

Workshops are on hold, however I’ve just launched Stitch School online. This is open to all children in the uk. They will receive a monthly package with a tutorial and additional video support.
Have a look at the details https://www.simplysewingboxes.com/the-stitch-school/

I’ve also set a 30 Day Craft Challenge up on Facebook and Instagram. Head over to join us…….It’s amazing to see what everyone’s up to. We’re on day Four already.

Im determined to keep busy and productive………so look what’s arrived ❤️

With all the uncertainty around at the moment I’m more determined than ever to keep going. This year has been a challenge and I’m super stubborn……..to keep me sane in insane times I’ve found this. Now it might seem a bit pointless however it works.

https://holzieloves.co.uk/2019/07/09/open-me-when/

It’s more important now more than ever to look after our mindsets….. keep inspired, get creative and let’s smash the next 30 days.

Stay safe

Ami

xxx

8th November 2020/10 Comments/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes, blog, Christmas, home makes, in the haberdashery, Tutor, Workshop and classes

Time For A Change !

I’m so used to patchwork and quilting, it’s my passion……….. however I’m all up for pushing myself out of my comfort zone (and it’s the perfect time of year to do it). I’ve took the step to have a go at dress making…… stand by for the updates, I’ve only just started cutting the patterns out ❤️

Dress Making

Dress Making

I’m also starting a new painting by numbers, perfect for the dark nights …… It’s so therapeutic

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I love therapeutic projects so our Fabric Community have now got my Fabric Journal workshop in video form so they can create their very own memory books. These books cost hardly anything to make, all you need is scraps of fabric and a little bit of inspiration.

If your not already part of our Fabric Community head over to www.simplysewingboxes.com

What projects have you got on the go?

23rd October 2020/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes, blog, Christmas, home makes, My Favorite

Autumn

This year is flying by and lets face what year its been. But now for the last couple of weeks we’ve been in my favourite part of the year…….Autumn.

Its all about cold crispy mornings, warm snuggly clothes, candles, books, the fire on, hot chocolate, walks with the turning leaves and pj’s. Bonfire night is my favourite night of the year but it looks like that’s cancelled (gutted).

However my craft room is near enough finished so now ill be able to craft at home and film more tutorials for our Fabric Community (if your not already a member head over to http://www.simplysewingboxes.com )

Before

At the moment

It still needs organising, a blind and a light but its getting there.

I’ve been getting festive and now my Christmas Quilt is finished. I’m filming the tutorial for this tomorrow for our Fabric Community Members.

I’ve finished a painting by numbers for my craft room

Now I’ve started EPP Hexagons

Now I’m on the hunt for other projects.

Does anyone else like a list of projects to work through……..or is it just me?

Stay Safe

Ami

xxx

10th October 2020/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes, blog, children's sewing bee, home makes, in the haberdashery, www.simplyneedlecraft.com

I’m At My Happiest When I’m Creative!

We’ve had a weekend away in Weymouth to recharge our batteries, good weather and family time,………..What more could you ask for.

Now its back to work and what I love doing………..being creative.

Slowly the Children’s Sewing Classes have restarted and now I’m hoping to sit down with my diary and arrange for the Adults workshops to restart.

If you interested in joining me please head over to the website and send me a message http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

I will still be filming for my Youtube Channel too, weekly tutorials for sewing and quilting.

If you’ve not visited the channel hop over to https://www.youtube.com/c/AmiSimplyNeedlecraft

Make sure you subscribe so you don’t miss out on the new tutorials being added.

Sewing and Quilting is my passion, I couldn’t imagine not having a project on the go (or ten).

So the creativity carries on at home but this time I’ve decided a big project ……….. refurb and a complete overhaul to make a craft/inspiration room.

So this is how it looks at the minute…… Stage one…

wish me luck, I’ve got lots of fabric, craft projects, quilts and so much to find storage for in a tiny room on a budget.

I hope your all safe and keeping well.

Ami
xxx

11th September 2020/by Simply Needlecraft

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes

Oh Wow it’s been a while …….

I can’t believe it’s been over two years since the last time I posted on this blog.

Life’s been a bit of a roller coaster to say the least, the good news is though it’s getting back on track so it’s the right time to get back to blogging.

So this is going to be a quick post.

The haberdashery reopened its doors in January 2020 after an 18 month break. Ten weeks later the world ground to a halt which pushed the shop online. A new website was set up http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com

April was the beginning of The Fabric Community.

Back in 2019 I had an idea to set up a group that would receive a box of fabrics, threads, accessories and a new pattern/tutorial ever month.

In April I decided to put my idea into action and Simply Sewing Boxes was formed.

Its going really well, everyone’s enjoying it and getting very creative. All members get invited to a private Facebook group to share tips, inspiration and idea’s. Have a look and join us if your interested.

http://www.simplysewingboxes.com

So I’ve kick started this blog back up to show you behind the scenes, what I’m up to, what my next step is, everything haberdashery related, my new ideas, experiments AND my attempt to create a sewing room at home on a budget.

I’m away this weekend so the blog will start back properly next week.

But for now……… head over to the website where there’s a giveaway going on.

http://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/giveaways

See you next week

xxx

Ami

2nd September 2020/by Ami Porter

blog

Welcome to our new website

We are pleased to announce that our new website and blog is now live.

Get the latest news, photos and updates from Ami, Paul and Simply Needlecraft by checking back regularly.

Please follow us on facebook for information about upcoming workshops and events.

27th April 2020/by Simply Needlecraft

Uncategorized

A Catchup!!!

1355 simplicity dresses pattern 1355 a envelope

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve blogged but we’ve still been busy.

I’m starting to prepare workshops for the rest of the year where I’ll be joined by other tutors to bring you more workshops in a variety of crafts….. I’ll update you as soon as I can.

But back to what’s been going on.

The Free Motion Embroidery workshop has been back and yet again a great success. This is a two hour workshop which always ends in fantastic results …..

and also a new workshop that was introduced this year…… the rag bag workshop….

Our monthly Craft & Chat Night also took place this week. A really lovely bunch of crafters covering a huge range of crafts…..

Easter was a busy time for the children as they prepared for the holidays…..

But we fitted that in between the quilting entries that are progressing nicely….

I have a new session starting up on the 1st of May for children aged between 8-12years…..

Don’t forget all the workshops on offer are available to book on the website https://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/workshopsclasses.html

The crochet workshop had a break over Easter but our tutor is back tomorrow but this is what they’ve been up to…..

I’ve been busy doing my coursework….the end is in sight ……

And im really pleased to say I’m taking part in this years Belper Art Trail. But this year I have the time to be an artist in situ and I’ll be at the Lion https://www.belperarts.org/

That’s it for now, thank you for reading.

Ami

xxx

6th April 2018/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, children's sewing bee, sewing studio, Tutor, Uncategorized

Exciting Times :)

1198 simplicity tops vests pattern 1198 envelope back

Hi everyone,

I’m now back from the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia Stadium. I had three lovely days teaching there, I met some fantastic people and it was so lovely to see familiar faces too.

I also helped out on the Quilters Guild stand for a while and got to meet Region 1 members…..

here’s the a few of my favourites….

We had a busy time in the Sewing Studio too as the kids are busy working on their entries to the Festival of Quilts and the weekly crochet group come out with fantastic results….

I’ve got a couple of Easter workshops running for children ……. please seeHere

We’ve also had the Making Memories Quilting Group this week……which is always very creative…..please feel free to join us next me……

Theres are few various workshops coming up soon including proggy mats, sewing for beginners, textile Art Canvas, Art Quilting, thread painting and free motion …… please see www.simplyneedlecraft.com

thanks for reading,

Ami

9th March 2018/by Ami Porter

Getting Everyone Involved !

It’s All About Balance ………

Round Two

Time For A Change !

Autumn

I’m At My Happiest When I’m Creative!

Oh Wow it’s been a while …….

Welcome to our new website

A Catchup!!!

Exciting Times :)

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