So here we are a year into the Covid-19 crisis, here in the UK we are still locked down, unable to meet friends and family and unable to hug.  Above all this, as you can imagine, I am missing running real workshops and social stitch sessions at Stitching Kitchen.

I have watched with interest as fellow textile artists leapt headlong into zoom workshops, online courses and other inventive online distractions such as Facebook live / Instagram reels etc.  But I am just not feeling it – well not so much.  I am very grateful for those who have, I have taken an online course with Jayne Emerson – so much fun with experimental textiles, I would highly recommend the courses.  I have attended several talks via the embroiderers guild and quilters guild, but like a lot of us I am finding my creativity somewhat stifled by the restrictions in our lives.

But slowly I am coming around to the zoom demo and talk, I don’t get the instant feedback which I love and I can’t see if people are really enjoying the sessions but as this afternoon I prepare for another Indian Block Printing talk and Demo for a WI group in the northwest I do feel far more engaged in this zoom process.  I can also see and feel the benefits of connecting with crafters and stitchers outside of my normal radius, so perhaps this method of delivery is here to stay beyond the lockdown??

I did quickly move the regular social stitch sessions onto zoom, normally we meet in the Stitching Kitchen on a Friday morning for a couple of hours stitching, chatting, drinking tea and nibbling on cake.  The same happens via zoom on a Friday morning but it doesn’t suit everyone, some feel overwhelmed by the technology, some would rather not see what they would normally do as it makes them miss it more.  So a few of my fellow Friday stitchers and I meet most Friday mornings at 10am for a chat and show and tell – do let me know if you would like to join us.

Radio Northampton’s presenter Helen Blaby runs Crafternoons and I was honoured to be invited to talk and demonstrate at three of these last year – Rag rugs, Indian Block printing and sewing face masks.  She has quite a following of dedicated crafters who listen to her show, perhaps I will be able to meet a few of them later this year.

I have a small list of talks and demos which I can run for a group via zoom so if your craft group, U3A, WI or guild would like me to talk about one of my textile based crafts and run a demonstration with a Q&A afterwards please get in touch to discuss prices and availability.  Currently I have talks prepared for Indian Block Printing, Rag Rugging, Wet felting  and would be happy to develop more if there is demand for them.  Do drop me an email if you want more information.