behind the scenes | Simply Needlecraft Haberdashery & Sewing Studio

Bringing The Community Together

CHECK OUT THE REWARDS YOU WILL GET FOR HELPING US…….. link at the bottom

Our Dream to Become Reality

Simply Needlecraft started trading in March 2013. Our bricks and mortar shop is based on the High Street in Swadlincote in Derbyshire.

We stock fabrics, yarns, knitting and crochet accessories, ribbons, trimmings and haberdashery.

Before lockdown in 2020 the downstairs was just a shop with a sewing studio upstairs for adults and kids to learn the basics of sewing and moving onto advanced techniques for quilting and wider range of craft classes.

Over the years kids and adults have continuously kept coming back to us as its inspired them and really helped with their well being and confidence. Its not just a one off its helped them focus and go onto bigger and better things and find their feet in the world of crafting world. Along with the new skills of crafting they have built up solid relationships and friends and love the environment in which they learn, its been an ever evolving community and its only getting stronger with children and adults taking up crafting.

This Is Where We Need Your Help

In 2020 many people have suffered with social isolation and used crafting to help with isolation, anxiety depression. On social media weve built up an online community and want to take that community from isolation into our building at Simply needlecraft.

Now in 2021 as lockdown measures across the country and restrictions are are lifted, the people that we have helped during isolation, we want to create an environment where people can come to not just to shop but to to use the building upstairs and downstairs as a facility for people to freely come and craft allowing them to meet new friends and share ideas and experiences in a refreshing and laid back environment.

We will use the money to transform the upstairs into a spacious area for crafters and sewers, expanding our range of fabric. Downstairs the money will be used just like upstairs for seating areas for people to come freely to get together with tea and coffee and drink facilities. Downstairs we will use the money for wool and an extend the range of knitting and crochet patterns. To achieve this we will use the money for shop fittings, paint, new seats, tables, carpets, drinks facility, lighting, cubes, cameras, shelving units and new stock.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bringing-the-community-and-crafters-together?tk=90fe4423ee6459e49153d43222144c1a3698b12d

26th January 2021/0 Comments/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 https://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 2020/5 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 https://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 https://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 https://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.

https://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.

https://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/giveaways

See you next week

xxx

Ami

2nd September 2020/by Ami Porter

behind the scenes, children's sewing bee, in the haberdashery, News, sewing studio, Workshop and classes

New Adult Quilting Group, New Sewing Bee Class and Young Quilters Event.

Hi everyone,

I’m back from my Holidays and raring to go……

I’m currently as we speak getting ready for the Melbourne Festival which starts on Saturday. I’m really excited to be part of this amazing event. I’ll be exhibiting at 52 Blanche Croft…….

I’ve got new groups and classes starting.

The first is a quilting group which is affiliated with the Quilters Guild. This is a great new group which is set up for everyone interested in patchwork and quilting. To bring along their projects, share ideas and advice and plan any future projects. This group is be held on the 1st Monday of every month here in the Sewing Studio.

I also have a new Sewing Bee starting on Thursday 28th September. The group is aimed at children aged between 8-12 years. The sessions will run every Thursday 4-5pm and the cost £7.50 per week.

I only work with a small number of children and the classes are ongoing, so if you want your child to have a place please let me know asap to reserve a place…..

We also have an event set up with the Young Quilters Guild. This event is taking place here at the Sewing Studio on Thursday 26th October 10am – 1pm.

This event is for children aged between 6-18yrs.

Projects include Halloween themed decorations and treat bags. Hand and machine sewing will be learnt.

Non members -£7

Members – £5

All children if not ready a member will get a years free membership to the Guild after visiting us.

Last night was this months Craft and Chat evening. This is a great evening for us crafters to get together with our projects. There’s lots of different types of crafts every month and the atmosphere is fantastic……if you would like to join us pop along on the first Thursday of the month….

My workshop dates have increased this quarter of the year. I’m really pleased how quickly they are booking up. If you’ve not had a look at the dates then please visit https://www.simplyneedlecraft.com/workshopsclasses.html

workshops include hand embroidery, quilting, mother and daughter sewing class, beginners sewing, fabric journals, art quilting and fabric collage and vintage workshops.

Thats it for this week, have a great weekend and I’ll see you next week.

Ami

15th September 2017/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes, children's sewing bee, Christmas, Fabric, in the haberdashery, New Stock, sewing studio, Workshop and classes, www.simplyneedlecraft.com

A Mixture Of Everything! Warning Lots Of Pictures

Hi everyone,

This blog post is a mixture of new stock, events and the Sewing Bee, so let’s get started.

Ok so you may remember we were at Sainsbury’s recently as a part of their Street Store event.

Braced with needles, threads and plenty of Suffolk puffs me and my loyal team headed to Sainsbury’s to get young people into sewing and embellishing clothes.

We had a wonderful time and even recruited a new young man into our Sewing Bee…..

Running on the same weekend it was Derbyshire Open Arts where the shop was turned into a gallery ….

Our monthly Craft & Chat Night took place last week and again filled with a lovely bunch of crafters. They run on the first Thursday of every month 6.00-8.30pm and costs £5 which includes cakes, tea and coffee. If you would like to join us just pop along.

On Monday this week our Sewing Bee group finished their cushions and our newest member joined us…….

The Tuesday group our getting to grips with patchwork which is great for practicing sewing straight lines……

Now time for new stock and I have to confess we have started to have our Christmas fabrics in, plus new patterns and trimmings…..

Don’t forget I also run workshops in various different techniques and you can find them all on the website. Please note there is only one more beginners quilting pencilled in at the moment until Autumn as I’m snowed under with other commitments….

Please see my workshops here

You can also see what I’m up to regards my other commitments by visiting my site https://www.amijamestextileart.com

where you can view my blog, exhibitions and work.

Thank you reading and keeping up to date with all of our news.

Ami

xxx

9th June 2017/by Ami Porter

Ami James - Textile Artist, behind the scenes, children's sewing bee

It’s All About Events

Hi everyone,

Wow what weather …….. Perfect weather for events this weekend.

You can catch us at Sainsbury’s this Saturday morning working with Hubbub to get little stitchers sewing and adding embellishments to clothes…..find details here

It’s also Derbyshire Open Arts this weekend. This year is my first year of taking part of this festival which covers Derbyshire. The festival starts on Saturday and runs until the 4th June.

I will be here on Sunday and Monday to talk to visitors. I’ll be showing you my inspiration, techniques and methods.

We are also open as usual on Saturday where you can view my work.

Hours are….

Saturday – 9-4pm

Sunday – 10-3pm

Monday – 10 – 3pm

There is also a craft market running on the Saturday hosted by Curly Magpie & Friends.

Ok so events that have already taken place over the last week or so……

we had the lovely Maria Dent, Felt Artist with us to run a full day workshop in Landscape Felting.

We had an amazing turn out with lots of beautiful results. We will be talking to Maria very soon to arrange more dates…..

On Saturday we had our long waited Young Quilters Event.

We invited children between 6-18yrs to join us in the Sewing Studio to take part in this great event which allowed them to get free membership to the Quilters Guild. Again we had an amazing turnout. We shall be adding more dates to the Guilds list very soon….