Make New, And Mend

19/06/2026

Friday....again! And its warm.....

Well, a little birdie told me.....seriously, this little birdie, a eurasian wren chick according to Merlin, the bird identifying App, got into the shop somehow. I spent half an hour coaxing him out, and finally his mum turned up with some food, probably told him off and of he went with her! And they didn't buy anything...cheek!

Thank you Shifnal and beyond for respecting my boundaries with the shop closure even though I was in there.....so respectful!

I am almost at the end of a very busy week with a Bride and her mother all kitted for a wedding abroad, 2 bridesmaids almost ready to go, 4 prom dresses out, 1 to go tomorrow, and 1 full make almost finished for a Tuesday prom....next week I have a bride and her 3 bridesmaids to get ready for an August wedding and my weekend will be busy with the Carnival Queen and Princess dresses....you can see why I needed to concentrate!

Back to normal from Tuesday....

So the second Sewcial takes place at Big Barn tomorrow 10-2...... . This space is evolving and I love it! You ll notice some changes....TF11 8PT.

I m just off there now to take some bits in. .hope to see you tomorrow or next week!

I love the funny!

Much love 🤍

15/06/2026

🎵🎵Monday, Monday🎵🎵

I wonder what the weather has in store for us? And I hope we all have a good week not only weatherwise, but personalky and professionally.....

I just wanted to let one and all know that the shop on the Parade will be CLOSED all week, JUST THIS WEEK, as I work between it and Big Barn.....there is A LOT to do! EEK!😳 And when this happens I need to be focused!

The middle of the year always heralds a crechendo of important stuff, and this year is no different with all things wedding, prom and Carnival reaching its peak for me. In addition there's repairs, alterations and the completion of soft furnishing projects that are all baying for my attention, and of course Big Barn and the activities there, so forgive me for not being available.

However, Donna Perks, a local seamstress may be able to help if you need things urgently.....she s on Facebook, but I can't seem to tag her on the post!

On Big Barn, I hope that the Sewcial this Saturday will be well attended and people will see its evolution each time they come! This week there s a new configuration of cutting spaces and the Dressing Room will be getting a make over as I welcome my first bride to this space in a couple of weeks time!

Now lots of you have been asking me about workshops so I thought I d say a bit about how its going to work, briefly....

1. I ll put a list of subjects out (next week)
2. You ll express an interest
3. I ll contact you for your availability
4. You ll let me know when you re available
5. I ll draw groups together based on available dates

Simples......

The structured sessions will have between 4-6 participants in each, they ll start at 10 and finish at 3, lunch will be provided with hot and cold drinks available throughout the day and the cost of the session needs to be paid in full at the time of booking. Refunds will only be given if, for some reason I have to cancel (unlikely) or if you cancel for extenuating circumstances.

What I can promise you is that your sewing experience and your skill level will be enhanced and you ll have a good time! Isn't that what it's all about?

There is so much to look forward to! Whoop! Whoop!

10/06/2026

Sorry peeps.......

06/06/2026

So today's the day! Now, the always used to say that if it rained on your wedding day, then your marriage would be full of trials and tribulations, so even though the weather is not as expected for June (climate change and all that!) I m not taking it as a negative, because EVERYTHING that I have done thus far in my life has had some trial or tribulation attached!

Big Barn, however, has been the light at the end of this tunnel on my journetmy through my life, and,although I have been on my knees at times, the thoughtful and helpfulness of others has always seen me through....thank you to three very special people who have helped get us to this day!

So this is phase one.....enjoy!

02/06/2026

Just an update on the workshop studio.....I thought an address might be a good idea....so you know the Bell at Tong, well its not there!🤣🤣

But if you are on the Newport Road (A41) and depending on which way you're travelling it ll be either on your left or right....

Tong Business Village
Tong Havana (who knew!)
TF11 8PT

You ll see the sign and just park through the gate or if you can, in the front or on the temp hardstanding....

Slowly coming together......🌞

30/05/2026

Hello all you lovely people in my phone! Still sunshining, but looking forward to some cooler weather....the garden needs it!

Just an update on the studio workshop..... its coming together really nicely and I was pleased with the rest of the shop reaching Shropshire shores courtesy of Knights of Shropshire Ltd. Who have been so supportive where the move has been concerned at this bitter sweet time... there are no words...... now to get the rest of the house cleared and then I am done.....

I am so grateful for all of the work coming to my door, I need to be kept busy right now, so my focus is on doing my very best (and more) for each and every visitor to the shop.....and the conversations have been so amazing.....

Now, there has been so much interest in the new space and the activities that are going to be taking place there......I am working avidly on a workshop schedule and will roll that out later, but the first Sewcial will be on Saturday 6th of June 10-2 at Big Barn....yes, it has a name! Surprise, surprise......I ll post the address later in the week and anyone who needs transport just message me .....

Pictures....the shop window has opened up and the shop is being re-organised every day, meet Chloe and her memory bear.. this one was very special.....❤️

And finally a reminder not to leave jelly sweets in the car on hot days!!! Sadly the bears merged and became 'blears' but still edible!

Until next time! 🤍

28/05/2026

22/05/2026

Good morning! I made it to the shop! Hurrah, how I have missed you....thats the thing, when you re unwell and its just you....so go easy with me today! Thank you. I really am doing my best!

So back open, and cracking on as quickly as I can.....back to normal next week....

But to this morning.....I have NEVER seen the car park THIS empty! Can't you tell we are heading into a bank holiday weekend! And what a weekend it is going to be.... sunscreen and plenty of water at the ready, try not to drink too much alcohol (at times like this drink alcohol free beers, ciders and wines!) And enjoy!

So other pictures.....don't forget I m a glutton for buttons, especially vintage so feel free to ask, there s so many, so not on display....these are all new, new as opposed to old, new!

Purses....now these are handmade...and you could make something similar when the new Studio Workshop opens! I ll be producing workshop timetables soon and you ll also be able to book on my new website which I ll be launching soon! All I want to say on the workshop is its a wonderful chilled space....Great for breaking away from madding crowd!

And my latest Memory Bear! This was just a shirt! I think he turned out great...a real cuddle bear, and so good looking!

So, have a great Bank Holiday! 🌞

20/05/2026

Good morning all......sadly the shop will be closed for the next 2 days, that being Wednesday and Thursday, due to unforseen circumstances.....

Rest assured that whilst the shop is not open, work will be continuing....just can't do the front facing right now!

It's not you, it's me! 🤍

15/05/2026

Friday already! The weeks are just passing by.....but the warmer weather is coming, but I have to say the skies are spectacular at the moment, even if it is raining sporadically....🌞

Your patience is so appreciated for those whom I m doing work for, I am desperate to conclude my life in the North but it feels like,walking in sludge as I have no help....unlike here in Shifnal.....if I thought I d could do a house clearance, I would, but everything is a good memory and I need to remember! 😉

And that Shifnal support has been phenomenal! The new Studio Workshop is almost ready for human visitation with volunteers, moving building and filling the shelves without hesitation. AND we have lovely neighbours...you wait and see! Plus it's an absolute sun trap when the weather is good.....I might have to start a tanning club! 😅

But let's celebrate the me-makes....more cushion covers, an absolutely stunning bed size quilt made by an absolute beginner and look at this lovely jacket! Anything is possible, but you need to make time for yourself, like these people did....one small step for you, but a huge step for your mindset....comprende?

And finally, .meet Colin, the fabri-van.....and his window trim, just like the 80's....what does it say? ME ....... FABRIC 😅

And