Coming up in March ....

Thank you to everyone who has pre-ordered my new book Simply Screen Printing. The printers are busy doing their thing and we’re still on schedule to start shipping at the end of this month. I’m donating £1 to The Trussell Trust for every copy sold before the end of March, so please, if you’re thinking of buying a copy, do so before then - it is horrible that so many people need to use food banks but they do and every £1 helps.

I’ve had time for (several) large gin and tonics and a long lie down since getting the book to the finishing line and I’m now looking forward to the two shows I will be exhibiting at in March. I will be doing both shows with my good friend, and talented book binder, Ruth Brown. We’re having combined stands at both shows. I will be demonstrating screen printing (including breakdown printing) and Ruth will be demonstrating how (my) printed and dyed fabrics can be converted into book cloth for use in a range of wonderful book forms. I’ve been busy printing lots of fabulous fabric for my Wonky Print Inspiration Packs and will have lots of fabric as well as my books, dyes and other stuff at each show to lead you into temptation …..

The first show is the lovely Scottish Quilting Show at the SECC in Glasgow from Thursday 2nd to Saturday 4th March. It isn’t a big show but it is probably my favourite. Every year they have more and more great displays with lots of tutors, like me, demonstrating and sharing our knowledge. And I get to see my daughter, who lives in Glasgow. You can get 40% off the ticket price using the code SPRING 40. You can find us on stand M03.

The second show is the Sewing for Pleasure Show at the NEC in Birmingham from Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th March. The show is part of a much larger event and well worth a visit for all crafters, not just those working with textiles. Ruth and I will be on stand SE23 and you can use the same SPRING40 code to get a discount on your tickets.

Also in March I have a new Creative Surface Design class starting. The course is spread of 5 weekends between March and mid-October and is aimed at students who have already learnt lots of different techniques but need something ‘more’ to help them turn their ideas into a finished form. I demonstrate techniques as required but this is a more design lead program with lots of one-to-one support from me both during the sessions in the studio and in between. There are still places available. The deposit is £180 with further payments of £180 taken during each of the first four sessions so the cost is spread over a long period. Below are two quilts completed by one of my Creative Surface Design students, Anna Owen. The piece on the left is called Brink and the one on the right Barrier.. She focused on printing a collection of fabrics that could pieced together - and the finished quilts are gorgeous. Have a look here if you are interested!