EPP BOM Progress & Social Sewing at Stitchscape

As many of us quilters, sewists and crafters know, 'making' is extremely good for our health and wellbeing. As life becomes faster and more pressured, finding those quiet moments seem more precious than ever, even just an hour or so to sit quietly, clear the mind from outside troubles and concentrate on just one thing at hand, and what could be more perfect than patchwork and quilting?! I've mentioned in the past how I use English paper-piecing as my free therapy, and after a very busy month, I'm looking forward to getting on with my EPP Block of the Month project, planned for release in early 2018. I've actually been thinking of a name, possibly centred on the curvy nature of the piecing... Curvaceous maybe? Circular Motion... ooo, like Sewmotion... mmm, what do you think? Maybe I should ask again when you can see more of the quilt! 

I'm just starting to quilt some of the individual blocks now, the whole quilt is designed (hopefully) to be constructed using the quilt-as-you-go method so you should be able to do most of it by hand making it a great portable project. I will be writing continuous updates on this blog, but if you want to make sure you don't miss this BOM's release, why not sign up to my Newsletter. Not only do you get to hear about my latest news and product lines, but you also receive a free Pre-Cut Party pattern every month - September's is a gorgeous modern table runner using 2.5" strips, which will also be available as a kit.

I know I'm not alone in my craft-as-therapy thoughts, and one such lovely lady has used this idea to build a whole sewing community in Cheshire in the north-west of England. Diane's business, Stitchscape, is an amazing studio providing an 'escape place for stitchers'. This light and airy space is open 10-4pm every day except Wednesday and Sunday and is open to anyone wanting to either learn a new craft (you can see Diane's workshop schedule here) or those fed up with clearing their craft away every night, or having to sew alone. This social space provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people who love to make, find help and inspiration from each other and to just sit, stitch and have a good chat! So if you're in the Warrington area, why not pop along, click here to find out more.

Recently Diane had an open day and purchased some of my kits to sell from her studio and she's just started a series of YouTube videos, each highlighting one of my kits - I'm overjoyed as you can imagine! As well as her very kind words about my patterns, Diane is also full of encouragement and motivation for those wanting to learn a new craft as well as those who prefer working from pre-cut kits where a lot of the hard work has been done for you. You can see her talk about my All Squared Up Sun Prints Quilt Kit below.

Linking up with Let's Bee Social, Midweek Makers and Needle & Thread Thursday