a rewarding fat rascal...

it seems as if teaching is what i am supposed to do.

having not taught officially since my middle baby was just 1 (nearly 13 years ago now) it seems to be playing a big part of my life once again.

the screen printing workshops are really taking off and this year i have a series of sewing workshops lined up at the wonderful and inspiring RHS garden, Harlow Carr in Harrogate.

i am going to be teaching several workshops throughout the year, from pretty screen printed napkins to piped cushions and the first of which on sat 9 march where i will be teaching how to make a patchwork zippered pouch and tote bag.

so if you fancy coming along to this fantastic venue to learn some new skills or simply to have fun sewing in a wonderful environment  please do join me. all details are on the website - just click on the link here and then click on 2013 Guide under Courses and Workshop Guides on the right hand side. my courses start on page 30 (creative section) and then all booking details are down on page 38.

the course includes a stroll around the beautiful gardens all in the name of inspiration and i am sure there will even be time for you to nip to the on site Betty's afterwards for a well deserved tea and fat rascal!

I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but it's beautiful here today. Cold, but beautiful. I've been on a lovely little run out to Ilkley to take some stock to a gorgeous new stockist, Cakewalk.

This is an absolute gem of a place, tucked away off the main high street and is a collection of a few independent shops under one roof. It's a real Aladdin's cave full of vintage and handmade work, most of which is made in Yorkshire. Cakewalk is run by artist Emma Straw, who has some of her own lovely work on show. I was thrilled when Emma asked is she could stock my hearts and needle and pin sets and even more so when I delivered them there and saw what a find it was.

Of course I couldn't leave without buying something, but I did limit myself to just one thing (even though I could have bought the entire shop). As soon as I saw this jug I knew I wasn't leaving without it. Isn't it a beauty?

If you live in the vicinity, you must go visit. You won't be disappointed, I promise. Ilkley itself is a wonderful little town, full of quirky unusual shops like Cakewalk and you can always revive yourself at Betty's afterwards.