Changing Times (and dates..)
September 1st, 2021It’s my birthday and it’s a big one! I’m having a week away and the shop will be closed until Tuesday 7th September.
Apologies for this mega newsletter.
You may need a week to read and digest.
Enjoy!
Do you, like me, feel powerless to change the world?
To make a tiny, little stand against the global conglomerates and the governments.
Do you feel like an insignificant cog in a massive capitalist machine and there’s nothing you can do about it?
It’s depressing, isn’t it?
And it’s dangerous too.
If we wait for the world to change before we do – it won’t.
We’re on our own.
With respect to Covid and Climate Change – big business doesn’t care about us. And it cares even less about the things we value.
If you, like me, care that many of the world’s small countries could soon be under water and that many of the world’s tropical rainforests will be destroyed – we have to do everything that we can.
Imagine that everyone who cared, did something, anything.
So, we’re going to do something. Something that flies against all conventional business sense.
Instead of pushing and pushing and growing and growing.
We’re going to stop.
We’re going to strike!
Every Friday.
We’ll close the shop.
Every Friday.
What difference will it make?
I don’t know.
But it may make us all think about the fragility of our environment and how precious it is to us.
At the very least – several journeys won’t be made, heating will be saved and we could spend the time and energy we’ve saved, looking into other energy saving measures ( even sewing quilts to keep us warm when we may be tempted to turn on the heating).
At best, we’ll add our voices to the growing throng of people who are demonstrating that they care too.
And maybe, at the forthcoming COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, in November, our esteemed leaders may be encouraged to take bold steps to reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned and work with the scientists to find a better way forward.
Workshops….
We can’t go back.
I have the impression that many of our friends and customers are waiting for the tide to turn, for the announcement to be made that Covid has gone and we can return to life as it was before.
Well, we’re slowly coming to the conclusion that this isn’t going to happen, – ever.
We really are on our own.
We’ve been sensible and cautious this far and we’ll have to continue in this way.
Our workshops will be small – between 4 and 6 people and our “Sewciable” sessions will be small too.
You will need to book each session, in advance.
I realise that friendship groups were made here and that you may like to book in as a group – that’s understandable.
But remember that we’ll be keeping to those small numbers – so book in.
You’ll also notice that prices have gone up.
They have to.
Like most other small businesses, we have lost a lot of money – despite the government grants- this has gone on so long and we have lost so much income.
Please believe me when I tell you that all other small businesses will be struggling. Please support them as much as you can.
Sewciable Sewing.
Bring along your own project and sew with friends.
You pick up tips and techniques that will change your life!
£10/session of 3 hours. 9.30am – 12.30
Wednesday 8.9.21
Thursday 9.9.21
Wednesday 15.9.21
Wednesday 22.9.21
Wednesday 29.9.21
Thursday 30.9.21
Wednesday 6.10.21
Wednesday 13.10.21
Wednesday 20.10.21
Wednesday 27.10.21
Thursday 28.10.21
There may be other sessions available.
If you’d like to come with a friend or two – just ask and we’ll try to fit you in.
Embroidery
Please note – this is a one-off workshop and not an on-going group.
In this workshop Kay will teach you the incredibly useful skill of “Silk-Shading”,
otherwise known as Long and Short Stitch.
Kay is an extremely talented embroiderer who will work with you to help you to produce your very best work.
Saturday 2.10.21
10am – 12noon
or 1pm-3pm
£20
Modern Quilting
This is an informal sewing session where people who enjoy Modern Quilting, meet up and sew together.We have planned some 3 hour sessions on Saturday mornings. If demand is sufficient we may have an afternoon session too.
9.30-12.30
Saturday 11.9.21
Saturday 9.10.21
Please book in. Places are limited.
£10
Baltimore
By it’s very nature, this is an on-going group.
Each month Eileen will supply you with a pattern for a block that you will begin
(with her guidance) and then complete at home.
Since we have limited space, we will have smaller groups.
One group will meet in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Anyone wishing to start to make a Baltimore quilt is advised to come to one of these sessions to see what is involved and to then discuss how much fabric you will need to buy ( there’s a lot of background fabric). Please book in.
Saturday 18.9.21
Saturday 16.10.21
9.30am-12.30 OR 1pm – 4pm
£20
Let’s Make a Quilt.
This popular 5 part course will take you through each stage of quilt making, by machine measuring and cutting, piecing, layering, quilting and binding.
Tuesday mornings
10am -12 noon
£80
28.9.21,5.10.21,12.10.21,19.10.21,26.10.21
I love the simplicity of this pretty quilt.
Spend a few hours with me and I’ll teach you to make the house block that makes up this beautiful quilt
Thursday 7th October 2021
10am-2pm
£30
You’ll look at hand sewing in a completely different light.
American piecing is so easy and it allows you to hand sew almost any pattern.
Tuesday 14.9.21 10am – 12noon
OR
Thursday 23.9.21 10am -12noon
£20
In this stress-free workshop, taught by Jayne, try your hand at needle turn sewing.
A great introduction to Baltimore projects.
Give it a go – you may surprise yourself!
Thursday 16.9.21 10am – 12noon
OR
Tuesday 21.9.21 1.30pm – 3.30pm
£20
Foundation Piecing
The technique that never fails.
If you’ve always wanted perfect points
(and who doesn’t?)
this technique is essential.
Eileen Swart is a superb tutor.
She will help you to master this important skill.
You won’t look back.
Wednesday 13th October 2021
1.30 -3.30pm
£20
Have you just dusted off your old sewing machine or have you ventured out to buy a new one?
Why not come along to this stress-free workshop and find out exactly what you and your machine can do?
Saturday 25th September
10am – 12noon
£20
A workshop that is incredibly popular.
In this workshop I will introduce you to the principles of free-motion quilting.
You’ll need to bring along your machine with a round quilting (or darning) foot. I’ll provide the fabric.
Wednesday 29th September 2021 1.30-3.30pm
OR
Thursday 28th October 2021 1.30-3.30pm
£25
Now that you’ve made a hundred quilts, designed by someone else, wouldn’t you like to have the confidence to design your own block?
We’ll go back to school with pencils and paper and maybe a pair of compasses and we’ll experiment with some designs.
It’ll be fun.
Thursday 14th October 2021
10am-12noon
£20
And of course there have been the weddings – two of them.
Two very different but equally beautiful and joyous occasions.
We have been so blessed.
The sun shone.
The brides and grooms were radiant.
And we almost escaped the dreaded Covid!
Unfortunately Dan (our youngest son and the first groom) missed Phil’s wedding having tested +ve the day before the wedding. And then, I succumbed to the virus on returning from Ireland, but we made it!
Photos are in the pipeline..
But I have two, featuring the main players.
XX
As you can tell, there’s a lot going on here and a lot to take in.
Understandably, you may think that I’ve lost the plot.
Why would I risk losing a day each week just when we’re trying to get back on our feet?
Well, we have to do something to build a better world for our children and grandchildren.
And we’ll work better and more efficiently on the days that we are open.
To clarify;
No appointments are necessary for the shop – please wear a mask.
Phone or email to book a workshop. 0191 4100868
From Tuesday 7th September
Our opening times will be;
Sunday closed
Monday closed
Tuesday open 9.30am-3.30pm
Wednesday open 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday open 9.30am-3.30pm
Friday closed STRIKE
Saturday open 9.30am – 12.30pm
I hope you’re with me.
Best wishes,
Hilary xx
Picking up the pieces
May 8th, 2021It’s been a long time coming, but perhaps it’s time to
pick up the pieces
If this pandemic has taught us anything it is that we were living in an unhealthy target-driven environment.
Those of us who are still working will know that the pandemic put paid to targets for a while and I, for one, thought that life was better without them.
We learned that, generally, people try their best and that waving a big stick at them simply causes stress. And although some of us need a little stress to get moving, under enormous stress, none of us do our best work.
And so, you’ll have to forgive me if we don’t simply jump right back in to doing things the way we did before Covid 19.
We can’t anyway.
Up until March last year our school was full-to-bursting, every session.
And I was running as fast as I possibly could, just to keep up.
Our classes were buzzing with enthusiastic quilters.
It will be a while until we can get back to those numbers, if ever.
In the meantime (at least until the next stage of “the road map”) I’ll be concentrating on providing some beginners classes for all the people who have discovered our incredible hobby via Facebook, TV, YouTube or even by simply having a go.
And so,
I have timetabled a few workshops and one short course for any beginners who would like to come along and try out a new skill. We will have only 3 students any time in our workshop, in order to maintain social distance. All attendees will be required to wear a mask in the classroom.
Wednesday 19th May 2021
10am – 12 noon
“Get to know your Sewing Machine”
Friday 21st, 28th May, 4th, 11th, 18th June,
1pm – 4pm
“Let’s Make a Quilt” 5 afternoons
Wednesday 26th May
10am – 12noon
“Basic skills – cutting and sewing – half square triangles”
Wednesday 2nd June
10am – 12noon
Free-motion quilting – the first steps.
Wednesday 9th June
10am – 12noon
“Get to Know your sewing machine”
Wednesday 16th June
10am – 12noon
“Basic skills – cutting and sewing – half square triangles.”
Further details of classes below.
Phone to book your place 0191 4100868
Payment for classes by cash or cheque please (H.S.Q. Sewing School Ltd).
“Get to Know Your Sewing Machine.”
Bring your sewing machine along to this 2 hour workshop and play!
In this stress-free environment you’ll discover how to get the best out of your machine and learn more about all those helpful feet and functions that you didn’t dare to try.
£20
“Let’s Make a Quilt”
in 5 sessions of 3 hours.
In this class, designed for beginners, you will learn to:
- measure and cut, using a ruler and rotary cutter
- sew with a 1/4″ seam
- Create a small quilt with half square triangles and quarter square triangles
- layer a quilt
- machine quilt
- bind your quilt
£75 + fabric
(10% discount if bought from our shop
“Free-motion quilting”
Bring along your machine (with a darning or free-motion foot) and we will explore the basics of free-motion quilting.
Once mastered, free-motion quilting will open up all sorts of possibilities for you.
£20 (all fabric supplied).
“Basic skills: cutting and sewing, half square triangles”.
Half square triangles are used so widely in quilting that it is almost impossible to think of patchwork without them.
In this short workshop we will learn to cut accurately, mark, sew and press triangles.
£20
Something resembling normal will resume once we are allowed to open without restrictions. I will reassess the situation again towards the end of June.
Places in any future groups and workshops may be limited. Please get in touch to let me know if you would like to return to the same pre-Covid group that you attended.
Until then, we’ll be doing our best to encourage some new quilters and to keep our shop going by appointment.
Don’t hesitate to book an appointment to come in to browse our wonderful collection of fabrics, books and patterns. We’re being a little more relaxed about numbers in the shop and it is so lovely to be able to meet up and to chat about your projects.
Phone us to make an appointment 0191 4100868
Please wear a mask.
When I closed the sewing school last year, my concern was for our safety and that of our families.
It was right to do so.
We have seen the devastation that has occurred when people/governments have not taken preventative measures.
Our health and that of our families and friends is paramount and far more important than any economic targets.
As we slowly and carefully put together the pieces of our lives, let’s remember what is important and tread warily.
In looking forward, let’s look for a better way.
A kinder way that supports and enriches all of us.
Looking forward to meeting you again soon,
with love,
Hilary x
New beginnings….
April 17th, 2021We are all set for a new start – so get ready!
High Street Quilting will be opening its doors on Tuesday 13th April.
We’ll have an appointment system again, although we will be allowing you to visit with a friend or two,
this time.
Our opening times will be;
Tuesday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Wednesday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Thursday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm
Saturday 9.30am – 12.30pm
So, whether you’re planning to come along on your own or in a small group,
call us to book a date and time.
It will be wonderful to see you again.
0191 4100868
Please wear a mask
by Tilda and
by Zen Chic,
From Lewis and Irene
that Lewis and Irene have created to accompany this beautiful range.
I hope you like my new display of our regular stock of
When we finally emerge from our enforced hibernation, will you be a beautiful butterfly, unfurling gossamer wings from a crumpled cocoon or will you be a sleepy, prickly hedgehog, blinking in the sunlight and staggering, battered and bruised into the light?
I can only say that I will not be that beautiful butterfly.
This past year has been a trial and this winter has been the longest, darkest and most tedious of all. I have been challenged in ways that I could never have imagined. I have worked 6 days most weeks, trying to pick up every phone call and respond to every enquiry.
We have sold fabric and books via eBay, I have provided info via the website and I have posted out parcels to the Highlands of Scotland and Guernsey.
I chose not to go down the path of online selling per se since that is not what High Street Quilting is all about.
Customers tell me that it is the look and the quality of the fabrics that they enjoy and value and I would like to stay true to that business model.
I have tried, to read minds, to remember works in progress and I have sent thousands of photographs of fabric to customers to help them to select fabrics for their various projects.
In my wildest dreams I could not have imagined how testing this year would be.
BUT…
I am so grateful for the business grants distributed by Gateshead Council and for the furlough scheme that has helped enormously.
We have not sunk – we are afloat.
And thank goodness for the support of so many of our customers who have kept in touch and who have given us what custom they could. I am so grateful for all the words of encouragement you have given. They have been invaluable.
Thank you.
Groups and classes
It is understandable that our motivation to sew has waxed and waned over time. It is a rare person who does not need the help, encouragement and support of others. Most of us need each other – and we know that now even more than we ever did.
However – this virus is not yet over.
Most of us will have had at least one vaccination but we know that we will not be safe until everyone is safe. There is no news with respect to indoor gatherings for teaching purposes and so – for the time being- there will be no classes or groups.
When we do get the “go-ahead” I will send out a newsletter with details.
And all this time, I have hoped that you have been able to maintain communication with your friends and fellow quilters. Where would we have been without the internet?
Lots of you will have followed online tutorials and classes and discovered lots of new ideas and techniques. Let’s hope that we get an opportunity to share those ideas soon.
Until then, let’s try to start rebuilding those connections. share your work and ideas on Facebook or Instagram with High Street Quilting. Contact the members of your sewing groups and form a small network. Perhaps you could make an appointment and arrange to meet up at the shop.
Now let’s get this show on the road…..
Call
0191 4100868
make an appointment
and we can start to rebuild our new kind of “normal”.
I can’t wait.
Love and best wishes,
Hilary x
Hope..
December 21st, 2020As this challenging year draws to an end, we wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to all our customers for the support you have given us.
Without it, we would not be here.
Covid has affected everyone and hit many businesses hard. As a small non-essential retailer we were forced to close our shop and sewing school for many months losing essential income from our local customer base.
Our school has been closed the whole time, our brilliant tutors could not teach and many classes booked in advance were cancelled.
But, you, our loyal customers were not put off.
You ordered what you needed by email and phone and we readjusted our working practices over and over to keep you busy.
THANK YOU
YOU ARE AMAZING
And because we realise that despite everything, you may still need last-minute supplies, we’ll be open for appointments for three mornings next week before we break for the Christmas holidays.
Christmas Opening Times
High Street Quilting
Saturday 19th December – 9am – 12noon
Sunday 20th December – CLOSED
Monday 21st December – 9am – 12noon
Tuesday 22nd December – 9am – 12noon
Wednesday 23rd December – 9am – 12noon
CLOSED
Monday 4th January – 9am – 2pm
To make an appointment please call us during shop hours on 0191 4100868
On a personal note….
I have never looked forward to the winter solstice with so much passion.
These gloomy, short days of December have taken their toll on my mood and, together with the desperate news all around us, I feel that I am craving light and joy in my life. The isolation has not helped. Although I am in the shop, most days, I still miss the creative buzz that our shop usually generates. I have noticed that some of our usually cheerful and chirpy customers are feeling drawn and tired. And I know that some of our brightest sewing stars are isolated, at home, feeling lonely and depressed. If that is you – please know that you are not alone. And you have definitely not been forgotten.
Social media, especially associated with the creative industries tends to “sugar coat” all messages and images, and often leaves us feeling even more down.
I sincerely hope that this Solstice can be a turning point. A time when the days begin to lengthen and we can begin to HOPE again and look forward to the times when we can meet up with friends and share those things that make us happy.
Hilary x
Small interesting fact:
Jupiter and Saturn are due to “conjoin” or overlap on the evening of Monday December 21st.
This will create the appearance of a large star in the south-west, (best time will be between 4.30 and 6pm). This hasn’t happened since 1623.
From all of us here at High Street Quilting.
Have the happiest and safest Christmas possible
and a peaceful new year.
Black and White
October 25th, 2020
Our shop is an oasis of calm in a stormy world.
We’re still busy, helping customers to choose fabrics and give them a little help and encouragement to keep them on track.
Having time to chat about our projects is a pleasure and seeing what our creative customers are up to is such a joy.
During lockdown 2 in November, as we’re classified as a non-essential business, we’ve had to close to customers entering the shop, but we are still open for telephone and email orders, for collection from the back door, postage, or delivery at a radius of 5 miles from the shop.
So we will be available to contact;
Monday 9am – 12noon
Tuesday 9am – 12noon
Wednesday 9am – 12noon
Thursday 9am – 12noon
Friday 9am – 12noon
Please phone to arrange your next order: 0191 4100868 (during shop opening hours)
or email us via the contacts page on our website
Have you noticed that life seems to be very “black and white” at the moment?
We’ve had to take sides.
Brexit or Remain
Mask or Anti-Mask
We’re at war with ourselves.
But those of us who have reached that certain age, know that real life isn’t like that.
It’s much more blurred than that.
Or grey, if you prefer.
With brief glimpses of bright colours.
I choose to focus on the bright colours.
It’s our mission,
at High Street Quilting,
to bring those “glimpses of colour” into your life.
We choose the most beautiful fabrics to inspire and delight you.
We scour the internet and interrogate our suppliers to find you the best quality fabrics in the most exciting colours.
We’ve set the bar really high, and fortunately, from what I’ve seen, the future is colourful.
We are eagerly awaiting 24 bolts of fabric from the superb collection
“Quotation” by Zen Chic for Moda Fabrics.
For those of you who couldn’t get enough of Brigitte’s collection “Comma” – you’re going to love it.
There are some wonderful patterns to download on the designer’s blog
Have a look and be inspired.
Running a business is always challenging but we’ll take the lead from those in the emergency, frontline services and keep our feet on the ground and stay positive.
We owe them that.
Jayne and I made a tribute to everyone on the frontline – our window display of colourful hearts says it all.
It’s hard to know when we’ll be back to classes but you can be certain that we will – eventually.
Every day I am asked when classes will be starting and I’m sure that the time is not right – yet.
As much as we’d love to see you all again, the advice is that we should not be mixing and keeping us all safe is my top priority
Throughout this testing time, we’ve all had a little more time to spend on our own projects.
Here is a little peek at one that I’m working on at the moment, using fabric by Minki Kim.
It’s a lovely combination of pinks, blues and greys with quirky designs.
It’s fun!
Remember, life doesn’t need to be black and white.
If we look outside, the colours of nature are awesome at the moment.
Let’s keep our eyes, our minds and our hearts wide open.
The news can be so depressing and frightening, but there are glimpses of hope on the horizon.
Focus on the bright colours.
With love,
Hilary xx
