Tried and tested and returned to - again and again . That is what we love about these books .have a good look .

We stock far more fabric than my husband thinks is good for us ! All is first quality . We spend ages searching and selecting our ranges .
Our quilting fabrics are all cotton mostly 62 count always with absolutely even waft and weft . We hold fabric on the bolt from Stoff, Timeless treasures , Moda , Benartex ,Painters Palette , Dear Stella, Lynnette Anderson ....
We have some extra wide cottons very suitable for backings of course but pretty good for fronts too!
We have masses of panels .
We have a selection of fabrics on the roll for bag and soft furnishings that are all cotton and polyester with a linen look woven background and printing on top . We have this fabric in plain colours too which we find perfect for cushion backs .
We have a lively selection of dressmaking fabrics - jersey ,pima cotton , viscose ,broderie anglais and fluffy for wrapping up warm in !

Will keep adding stock in here

We began our dressmaking classes with Kirstie Combe last year . We quickly found that everyone v happy sewing with their machines and very concerned with making the pattern FIT. Kirstie is brilliant at making this happen . She comes every week to help dressmakers so as soon as we are able to open up for classes come along and join in . in the meantime she is very busy making . The shift dress above is certainly this week's garment of the week for us . perfect pattern matching for pockets and two cute buttons on shoulder .
We offer a selection of our fabrics for dressmaking here all by the half metre so when you purchase 2m you would order four units and the fabrci will come as a single piece ! We do offer all the New Look patterns and would love to help you work out what is most suitable with the fabric you have or would like .
We have found that the cotton batik fabric also works v well for garments and is economical to use as is multisided !

After great deliberation we have found that the patterns that we return to most are New Look designs from Simplicity . We stock their complete range and are eagerly awaiting the First of June edit from them . We like the fact that the patterns are multi size . That they have a clear set of instructions and we know they all work . They give a clear idea of degree of ease and suitability for fabric type . If we do not show the one you are wanting ,please ask ,as we order each week to top up our pattern stcok .

More robust and heavier in weight than the quilting cottons, we have a range of soft plains and patterned mixed fibre fabrics. These are an ideal practical fabric for bag making, cushions, blinds or covers.
These are sold in 50cm x 70cm units. 2 units makes a half metre and 4 makes a complete metre at 140cm wide.

Construction kits from the Viking Loom and Pinflair. Build and decorate this exciting range of boxes and containers. Made with an internal structure of rigid die cut card you assemble and then can cover and decorate them as you wish. The kits will contain the card pieces and instructions. You will need your own fabrics, glue and accessories.

Beautifully soft and very durable Quilters Dream wadding either Polyester or 100% cotton. Off the roll at full width or in smaller precut pices.

Freemotion or freehand machining is an exciting technique used by both decorative stitchers, textile artists and quilters alike.
With a few pieces of basic equipment you are ready to explore....
Check with your manual how to set your machine up for the best results and you are away....

We hold the full selection of DMC stranded cottons , Rayon threads from Edmar so brilliant for dimensional embroidery . Variegated cotton threads from Caron Collection renowned for their gorgeous soft subtle changes in colour . Metallics from DMC, Madeira ,Lecien .

Stock to be uploaded .

We are delighted to hold our wool stocks in Appletons both crewel and tapestry weights . We try to hold most in skeins and have a fair amount of hanks . we do order each week so can soon get what is needed for your project . We stock the boxed shade card too which is a real help when contemplating your colour palette .

Our favourite floorstand has to the Lowery : a slim metal upright with large flat base that easily slides under wherever you are sitting . it has lots of points of adjustment in height and angle . The clamp at the top is like a vice ( not a bad thing !) and holds all sorts of hoops and frames up to a size of about 27 inch width .
We love the simple wooden seat frame made by Elbeesee which has three different sized hoops that slot in to the base . Plenty of scope for changing height and angle again .
We work with deep wooden embroidery hoops so allowing the fabric to be more secured . We like the Madeira flat sprung hoops for machine embroidery .
We really think frames are important so much so that we produce our own - The Able Stretcher . This is a rigid plastic frame which has four arms that slot together and are secured at the size you would like . the fabric or canvas is then sandwiched into position using little oval clips .No sewing on of the fabric required . The frames come in three sizes - each making form a four inch square up to that maximum size - 9,12 or 16 inches square . Rectangles can be made too . These frames are brilliant for tapestries and larger cross stitch and embroidery .

Our favourite embroidery scissors are from DOVO in Solingen Germany . We first found these in the States and were directed to these master craftsmen in Europe. The scissors are fantastic. They cut right to the point . They handle brilliantly . They are the perfect treat for a keen needleworker . If you are just beginning use the other pretty floral 3.5 inch scissors and keep a pair for each type of sewing .

Our pick of cross stitch kits are all first class . The designs are clear ,effective and work very well on the stitch size of fabric . The fabric used is made by Zweigart , the long established world leader in needlework fabric production . The fabric has a very even weave and the holes are clear . The threads used are dmc or anchor . All six stranded ,So you pull out the number of strands directed by the instructions . pull them out of a short length -12-15 inches at most individually and put them together .
The fabric lies flat but if you feel more confident of getting an even stitch by putting your work in a hoop then try our deep hoops . you will not be disappointed .
Fold your fabric over both ways to find the middle and begin your sewing there .
We mark off on the chart where we have stitched with a highlighter pen .
We really hope you enjoy your sewing .
Please do not hesitate to get in touch f you would like advise or any help at all .
We want you to enjoy your hobby as much as we all do .

A Norwegian traditional embroidery style, often white on white using a variety of stiches, with cut and drawn threads. More contempoary designs will use coloured threads but the over all effect is still calm, measured and delicate.
We stock Hardanger fabric - 22 count. appropriate threads and a range of designs for you to try.

We have stocked Just Nan charts for over 30 years !! We love the intricate cross stitches plus the way Nan introduces other complimentary counted stitches often in small bands on a sampler . Nan has an uncanny way with shading and design all of which we love to observe as her new designs continue to roll out .We try to offer most of her current range so if there is something you are looking for and you do not see it here , please email or ring and ask .
We offer the special threads , charms and beads packs as part of the chart so all you need to add is DMC stranded cottons and the fabric - usually 32 count linen .
We stock the Zweigart linens in the appropriate colour for each design and can easily put the complete kits together if it would help . Again .please contact us

We love Fabric ! We have dealt with Zweigart for over 30 years . They are the premier manufacturer of needlwork fabrics . Their fabrics are correct , straight and count as they should. The sizing is consistent as are the colours . This German company are quite brilliant at what they do .
We stock aida from 6 to 20 count .
We stock linens - manily 28 ,32 and 40 count
We stock evenweave - usually lugane in 25 count , brittney or linda in 27/28 count
We love selling the gorgeous cotton Anne cloth for afghan s .
We have rolls of tapestry canvas from rug size in 5 and 7 hpi to antique canvas in 18 count .
We also have silk gauze for those with very good sight !
Please ring or email if you cannot see what you would like for your project

We have loved these first quality Czech glass beads for over twenty years . We first saw them in America and tracked them back via the Czech embassy in London .we are always adding and changing the content . The depth and variety of colour and shapes in the mixes gives you so many options for design .Sizing for beads in mixes is usually 6- 16mm unless otherwise stated . We make the mixes so if there is a particular bead you would like , send us a photo and we can send you the quantity you need .

We repeating our very popular January day where we offered three sessions each of an hour in each of freehand machine embroidery and jewellery making . Both are introductory classes . They are suitable for adults and children but we do need the adult to stay with the child . Places limited in both . Cost is £5 per person to go towards materials .

Learn how to give a professional finish to jewellery making so that you can create your own designs in necklaces , bracelets and earrings . We begin with threading your choice of beads from our incredible stash on to wire and showing you how to attach the clasps securely . We move on to using more than one wire and to using thread and all the time you are subconsciously learning to design !

These afternoons cater for a range of abilities . Bring along your own project or if you are new to quilting , come a earlier and we can help you get a project worked out . Whichever , Lynn will guide and advise all the way through . We have a large 2m square table for cutting and laying out and 8 one metre square desks for students . Come a bit early and bring your lunch if you would like .

Bring your own work along . Sew with like minded stitchers - hand or machine . Take advantage of the space and peace of our classroom ! there are 8 spaces each week . Booking essential £5 per person .

These lessons are 1 2 1 - so individual to you ! You will need to allow yourself an hour and a half so that Alison can teach you what you would like to learn about your machine or overlocker and then you can work on something under her guidance . There are three sessions per day on most wednesdays and thursdays . First session is 10.30-12 noon , second session is 12.45-2.15pm ,third session is 2.30-4pm . Each session is £15 . booking essential .

Kirstie will help you FIT your pattern to you . She can help you choose your fabric or match your fabric to your pattern or vice versa . She will then help you with a toile if required . We have found that most of our customers who want to dressmake can sew well but welcome help with adapting patterns to fit themselves . As the song nearly went " no one is a prefect 10"! This class runs slected wed or thursdays .

Learn how to build up your own picture with complimentary background fabrics ,then fix your subject in front , embellish and enjoy creating your own three d textile picture . A number of our students do wildlife or pets . You will be surprised just what you can create with Amy's brilliant technique and excellent drawing skills . Just bring your usual hand sewing equipment - hoop , favourite sharp needles , scissors , magnifiers ... All else is here and provided . machines not used .

A wonderfully inspiring class with a very creative tutor. Josie really does bring the best out in everyone . There is a waiting list for this class at the moment so look out for Josie's day classes and come along and get a taste of what she does ...

This is a regular weekly class throught the autumn ,winter and spring . Students bring their own projects and Wendy helps everyone . There is a real variety of stitching in this warm friendly group . We often do samplers of canvas work stitches and have made boxes, firescreens , stool tops , cushions and bags . You can come once or regularly weekly, fortnightly etc . Booking essential

These boxes are card covered with either different colours of satin or in a light natural linen colour . There are a number of shapes and sizes .The top is card with wadding and then a fine piece of white cotton . This detaches from the lid . You then secure your piec of work on the top - either string on back or glue . Then replace top in lid with some glue on the underside .
They really make a very good value effective display for smaller pieces of work . We have used them to mount embroideries ,cross stitch , miniature quilts and even just fabric .