I always look forward to my annual trip to the Knitting and Stitching Show in Harrogate. I have been for the past 4 years and without fail come home with a bundle of sewing-related delights. I am not a knitter and am always relieved in a way, as I am not sure I could manage the whole show in one day (or financially) if I was also lured to the gorgeous wool stands. Here are my top ten tips:- Do take some cash if possible - it makes everything quicker and last year the cash point outside the building wasn't working. Try and write an essential shopping list before you go and check it at some point. As a quilter I always...
For the last few years I have packed up my car boot several times a week and carried 4 sewing machines and all of my other kit down to the local theatre. I once counted over 15 bags of fabric, wadding and sewing samples! I have taught over 300 classes at Ilkley Playhouse and gained so many loyal customers. The management were amazingly supportive to me as a new business and allowed me flexible times and low rental. I am very grateful, especially to the late Walter Swan who encouraged me to give it a go. Joining the Entrepreneurial Spark programme in February this year was a big step forward for me. It made me realise that in order to...
I have had a really enjoyable Me Made May. It is the first time I have joined in with an online project like this, but I am sure it won't be my last. The idea is to wear a handmade item each day for the month of May. Some people record this with photos across social media, but it is much more about celebrating what you have stitched/ knitted, and discovering what lots of other creative people are up to in your local area, and across the globe. I have sewn a lot in recent years but often I finish a project and then pop it in the wardrobe and go back to my default, comfortable clothes. I do the...
To begin with, thank you for stopping by and welcome to my blog Jenni Smith Sews. My post from earlier in the week tells the story of the recent portrait of Wilfredo that I stitched for Lisa Congdon. If you missed it then you can catch up on it here: https://www.jenni-smith.co.uk/blogs/news/90484161-my-portrait-of-wilfredo-the-dog-for-lisa-congdon I was over the moon when Lisa agreed to be interviewed and I really hope that you enjoy our chat below. Also, don't miss out on your chance to win Lisa's new range of fabrics Kindred for Cloud 9, see the end of this post for details of how to enter. Jenni: Can you tell me a little bit about Wilfredo and why he is such a big part...
