Happy New Year From White Nancy

I'm always late to the (New Year) party, so again I am belatedly wishing you health, happiness and much craftiness in the coming year!

I'm continuing to create at the Makers' Place at Macclesfield Heritage Centre, which is lovely and productive. I get to meet lovely people, hang out with like-minded creatives and of course, protect time in my week for stitchery.

I am hoping to get better at the social media side of things this year, like Instagram and Facebook and maybe I'll be blogging a little more frequently (baby steps).

My drive to my little studio in Macclesfield takes me through some nice country lanes and from a particular junction I occasionally get a view of White Nancy - a well-known Cheshire landmark.

White Nancy is a very distinctive structure built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo and I love how it stands like a sentinel watching over the landscape in all weathers. I find something comforting in its presence and I'm sure it is a favourite spot to walk to for many people.

White Nancy's simple, but recognisable shape has been appearing in my textile art quite a lot recently and I made this piece with a nod to Valentine's Day and all the romantic couples who have strolled near her.

(needle felt, applique, quilting)

Busy Stitching

I have been busy stitching at my studio space at Makers' Place Macclesfield. I'm enjoying the productivity, being among creative people and chatting to the public.

But boy, am I tired! It has been a hectic few weeks with family stuff and I'm still learning to balance working and being away from the house with all the jobs that need to be done at home, trying to build up my running again and finding time to see friends! Though I don't miss the distraction of the washing machine beeping to demand that I hang out the washing, it is amazing how quickly the dirty laundry builds up! At least it has been a great few days for drying!

"Home from Home"

"Inspired by Skye"

"Come Rain or Shine"

I'm also looking forward to Artisans in the Palm House at Sefton Park, Liverpool on 29th & 30th May. It will be a fantastic weekend, especially if it is sunny- come on over!

Hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather.

My New Venture

I am delighted to tell you that I was recently accepted to take a studio/ selling space at the Makers' Place at the Heritage Centre in Macclesfield.

It is a bright, airy space where a number of makers create and display their work and there is also a museum, shop and a lovely cafe.

I began to set up last Thursday. My space is between two corner spaces and has a big windows on either side letting in lots of light. I have acquired a lovely big unit with plenty of storage space for my fabrics and a good-sized table to work on.

Much as I love the bright stripes at the front of my unit, I think it calls for something a little more neutral, which I hope to put up this week.

I will be selling small textile artworks as well as larger quilted wall hangings.

This is part of my work space. I will be there on Thursdays and Fridays and also some Saturdays. I also aim to be there on some of the Sundays when the Treacle Market is held in Macclesfield as the cafe and Maker's Place will be open.

 This is my view as I sit working, looking through the doorway to the cafe. I am enjoying chatting to the public about my work and people are often interested to see what I am up to, especially when  my needle-felting machine is clattering away (must find a way to reduce the noise pollution!)

 I plan to be really productive on my studio days. It will make a big change to go out to work and to get away from the many distractions that present themselves when working from home. It will also be amazing to have other creative people to talk to- I have felt increasingly isolated at home recently. It also means that on my days at home I can enjoy doing things there without feeling resentful!

 There are still a few more things to do. I'm going to make a sign for the top middle of the wall and possibly a shelf .

                                       The view through to the shop.

So, if you fancy a trip out to Macclesfield- you could combine it with a look around the Silk Museum- do pop in and have a chat with me, have a cuppa and a browse. I'd love to meet you.