Lauras Handmade Life - Book Signing

We will be welcoming Amanda Addison to Patch on Saturday 12th November to sign copies of her novel Laura's Handmade Life.

Laura's Handmade Life is published by Little Brown. And is available at Patch now priced £6.99.

Amanda will join us for a craft taster session, come along for a chat or to join in the fun! We'll have the fabric and ribbon ready for you to try your hand at some stitching projects.


This free event will be held at 9 Bevan Street East, Lowestoft. Please email or call for further information: claire@patchfabrics.co.uk/ 01502 588778

 Laura Lovegrove is leaving behind her seamless life in London. Her architect husband Adi has been relocated to rural Norfolk, a far cry from the ultra-urban Ealing she knows and loves. Laura knew village life would be different, but she didn’t foresee a pokey cottage, nosey neighbours, errant poodles, and even an ex-boyfriend turning up. Chris had been her big love at art college and seeing him again is utterly confusing. Is she really so different from the impulsive student who once trawled charity shops for vintage treasures?

When a fire all but destroys Laura’s collection of vintage clothes, she’s heartbroken - and seriously lacking in outfits. But, salvaging what she can, Laura makes do and mends - sewing purses, bags, even dog leads (which should solve the poodle problem). Soon, she’s inundated with orders. But Adi is becoming more and more distant, as if there’s something he’s not telling her. Can Laura make a stitch in time and pull her family back together again? 

Amanda Addison writes both adult and children’s fiction. A common theme to her work is the world of art & design. She is a graduate from Chelsea School of Art. Amanda’s interest in writing began when she illustrated book covers and articles. Amanda’s illustrations are mixed-media collage - using fabric scraps, trimmings and stitching.

  

 

Quilted Tumbler Workshop

Yesterday Patch was lucky enough to have a guest tutor for a quilting workshop.
Katy travelled half way across the country to show us all how to make a template, piece, quilt and bind a tumbler cushion.

6 ladies (including me!) got through the most difficult part (choosing fabrics) and had a fantastic and informative day. I loved seeing everybodys fabric choices, I always get fabric choice envy and wonder why I hadn't thought of putting those particular choices together!

 We coped with a machine malfunction....wayward tumblers that changed position while we weren't looking (that would be mine!) and all produced stunning cushions that just needed hand binding while we sat with a well earned glass of something in front of the tv that night.

 

 I have finished binding yesterdays cushion and have cut out more tumbler blocks to make cushion number 2 in the week. Have discovered I love (well maybe not love but like a lot) hand binding, previously I have reluctantly finished projects or looked for shortcuts....since Katy showed us a trick with a hair clip it seems ten times easier and am feeling hopeful that at least 3 of my started projects will get finished soon!

Katy will be coming back to Patch in January to teach a Jelly Roll workshop. More details and dates to follow.

 (photos taken by Katy and Leanne)

Hexagon Workshop

            

Next week I shall be at The Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft holding 2 taster sessions as part of their birthday celebrations. On Monday its fabric jewellery (ie yoyo necklaces etc) and on Wednesday its hand stitched patchwork (and where better to begin than with hexagons!!)

I received an email today to let me know the hexies session is fully booked - 12 attendees *gulp*.

I'm looking forward to sharing my love of sewing small bits of fabric onto a piece of paper!

We have also arranged a half day workshop at Patch on Saturday 28th May, which is all about the hexagons!!

This workshop will take place between 10am and 1pm and costs £10. 

As always, a place can be booked by calling into the shop, emailing claire@patchfabrics.co.uk or telephoning the shop on 01502 588778

The pictures show some flowers I made recentley from 3 inch hexagons and a teeny tiny flower made from 1 inch hexagons.....

Bag Making Workshop

We have added another workshop for absolute beginners, join Sheona on this half day session, and learn how to make a stunning bag as well as take away the pattern and the know how to make many more.

Bring along your favourite fabrics or choose one of our mini fabric packs to make your unique bag.

Its being held at Patch Fabrics, Lowestoft on Saturday 11th June from 10am to 1pm and costs £18.

Materials are not included on this workshop, but everything you need can be purchased from the shop. Sheona has designed this bag around our £3 mini fabric packs.

If you would like to book a place for yourself or a friend or relative (age 12 and over) please contact Patch Fabrics by telephoning 01502 588778 or by emailing claire@patchfabrics.co.uk.

There are limited places available, so booking early is advisable.

Winner

Quick Bank Holiday posting tonight - random.org have chosen a winner...
50 comments..thank you very much everyone for your kind words, lovely to see lots of new followers too.
On with the show as they say......

 

Number 15 is Scented Sweetpeas...congratulations...now you need to decide which metre of fabric you would like!!

Thank You everyone for your support, hope you'll keep following for more news and giveaways.

 This week I should take delivery of Moda's Sherbet Pips fabric ...I have been really excited about this..It was touch and go whether I would be able to stock this as I was late putting in an order, but I found out on Thursday its on its way.....

I will be adding to the website as soon as it arrives....heres hoping for tomorrow!! Aneela Hoey's fabulous blog can be found here..where you can read all about the evolution of this fab collection x

Cushion Workshop

There are still limited places available on the cushion workshop, taking place at Patch on Saturday 21st May  from 10am - 1pm.
Suitable for absolute beginners, you will leave this half day session, not only with a fabulous cushion but also with the skills to go home and make lots more.
All materials will be provided. Fabrics chosen from our ever expanding shelves..you can choose just the one design or 2 or even 3 if you are feeling adventurous.
The workshop is being taught by Leanne, super talented textiles graduate. Leanne has made the gorgeous sample cushions curently residing in the Patch Fabrics window, seen here!

The cost for this workshop is £25, which includes everything needed to make your cushion and refreshments.

If you would like to book a place for yourself or a friend or relative (age 12 and over) please contact Patch Fabrics by telephoning 01502 588778 or by emailing claire@patchfabrics.co.uk.

Happy Easter Web Offer.

Patch has been closed today and I have been hand sewing and enjoying the sunshine, I have been preparing some samples for a workshop I have been asked to run (more on that another time) and also trying to finish the table runner that didn't get completed in time for Christmas last year!! Quite strange to be stitching festive fabrics in shorts in the garden!!
We are open again as normal tomorrow, when I am hoping to change the window display a little and will be directing my saturday boy (son number 1) while he takes pics of buttons to add to the webshop.
Leanne, who will be running the beginners sewing workshop on 21st May, brought in some sample cushions that she has made to demonstrate what you will leave with at the end of the workshop....they look fab, so tomorrow they will be photographed too..
(I have to wait for my son to come in as I have just broke my 4th camera in 2 years...we learnt after the 1st time and always insure but I haven't replaced it yet..wondering if I should bother with our history!!)

There is a special offer for Patch web shoppers this weekend..

Anyone placing an order over £20 (excluding postage) this Easter weekend will receive a Patch Ribbon Pack with their order, if you have a colour preference do let me know and I will try very hard to arrange. There is no need to add to order, it will be sent automatically :)

I am in the process of adding some more fabric bundles to the depleted section of the shop....my favourite is the plains stack below..

Thanks for all the comments on my last post, there is still time to leave a comment to win a metre of your choice of fabric...

Giveaway

I have missed my 1st birthday. I started Patch on the 26th March 2010, and although I knew I always would have a shop 'one day' I didn't imagine for one minute it would happen within the year.
The shop is now in its .....*stops to count* 6th week?? 7th??Not counting now..its great. Lovely customers, great feedback..this is work???
The online stuff is getting neglected..I am having a new website so holding off filling the current one as I don't relish doing everything twice..however its taking a while so will be adding more items this week.
We have however broken our 4th camera in 2 years, so that needs sorting first!!

So I'm thinking a giveaway to celebrate?
The randomly chosen winner will receive a metre of fabric of their own choice..this can be as a bundle or as a full piece. Just pop over to Patch website, or if you can shop..and decide what you love and leave a comment to tell me. The random number whatsit will choose somebody on May Day Bank Holiday.

Rules go like this....
* you need to be a follower of this blog
* you need to make a comment below this post (nowhere else please x) before May 2nd.
* I need a way of contacting you!
* and thats it. 

kaffe fassett teapots

 michael miller honk honk!

 I was lucky enough to be chosen as blog of the week at The Sewing Directory..I don't blog as much as I'd like to so don't feel entirely worthy but very grateful to Fiona for choosing Patch.

Jewellery Workshops

Jewellery Making Workshops

Come along, have fun and find out how to

Design and make your own jewellery

Learn easy step by step techniques

See and have a go yourself at some beautiful designs

Have a fun and informal workshop with some wonderful beads and trimmings

Starting 10 May 2011 1.00pm - 3.00pm then every 2 weeks

Cost: £4.00 per person per session (subject to change depending on numbers)

Welcome to bring your own materials but a wide selection of beads and findings will available to purchase.

This group will be run by Steph Appleton who has held many jewellery workshops in the Lowestoft area.

I will be taking bookings on Steph's behalf, early booking recommended as space limited.

You can email or phone me at Patch for more information on 01502 588778 and claire@patchfabrics.co.uk.

Knitmare on Elm Street

I am in love with this new Michael Miller design..probably not for the faint hearted though...

          the 2 prints below are knit pirates and quilt pirates..so cute....if skulls can be described as cute!!

they can be found over on the website.

They would look great as a quilt, and work really well with Ta Dot in Ebony aswell as Klona Cottons in black and grey. In the shop, customers have chosen these designs for projects including a blind and an adult skirt....I plan a quilt for 13yo's new room...however don't hold your breath..the friendship star started in January isn't finished yet!!

How well do you know your Sewing Machine.....

...or overlocker?? Do you use your machines to the best of their ability or do you drag it out of the cupboard (corner, box etc) and hope that it will do just what you want it too??
Have you forgotten how to thread your overlocker?
Ann Haughton from Suffolk Sewing School will be coming to Patch on Tuesday 7th June to teach. In the morning from 10 til 1, the workshop will cover the Sewing Machine. This course will cover:

Threading Techniques
Understanding Tension
Selecting the correct needle and threads
Sewing a straight seam
Overlocking stitches
Sewing Stretch Fabrics
Button Holes

Then from 1 til 4, Ann will be covering the Overlocker. This course will cover:

thread your machine from the beginning
understand how the stitch is formed
when to use a 3 thread overlock stitch
when to use a 4 thread overlock stitch
how to use the differential feed mechanism for perfect results
understand how to use the extra feet for your overlocker and those that are available

The following will be covered depending on the machine you have:
Cover Stitch
Lap stitch
Chain stitch

Each course costs £30 - but both courses booked together will cost £50.
More information can be found here and here.
There are limited places available so early booking is advisable...

The full list of workshops and classes available at Patch can be found on the website.

Workshops at Patch

We have been lucky at Patch to secure the very talented Alex Waylett, to teach creative machine embroidery skills in a one day workshop. The course (which includes lunch) would make a terrific Mothers Day gift for your mum or yourself!!

Creative Machine Embroidery for beginners

‘Learn how to use your domestic sewing machine for freehand machine embroidery. Draw with your thread to create modern designs on silk that you would be proud to frame.’

 WEDNESDAY 18^th MAY

10am – 4PM

Venue: Patch Fabrics, Lowestoft

Cost: £50

to include materials, coffee and lunch.

No previous machine embroidery experience is necessary, however it is expected that you are a confident sewing machine user.

Limited Places. 

 

 

  Full information and course requirements can be found on the Patch Website

Riley Blake

I have updated the website with some new fabric...have a fair few designs to add but just doing as I get the chance.
I like novelty prints...especially 'boy' designs and Riley Blakes Wanna Be A Cowboy doesn't disappoint.
I have added 3 designs...
all over cowboy print, cowboy quotes and a horseshoe and star print.
They are available here

I have also updated the postage options on the website.
These are now worked on a sliding scale depending on total of purchases.
Smaller orders now have a lower charge.
More information about this can be found here.