We 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