Craft Arena

  I'm pleased to announce that our Tantalising open art competition is back again this year. Tantalising 2025 has an open theme, so that you can choose the subject yourself - whatever inspires you!  As usual there will be a nominal entry fee with the total amount raised being split between the winning artist, a prize for one of the visitors to the exhibition who will choose the winner, with the rest going to St. Luke's Hospice. This year the exhibition runs from Saturday 4th to Saturday 31st May and I'm really looking forward to seeing your work. If you know anyone who may be interested in entering, please pass this information on as I'd like to raise as much as possible for St. Luke's Hospice this year. Submissions can be in any media - textile art, printing, painting, printing, sculpture. There are a few restrictions, and these are listed in the terms and conditions. You can find the entry form which includes the terms and conditions here. Below you can see the jo...

 Craft Arena are now stockists of Bernina sewing machines. Contact us to arrange a personal demonstration. Accessory of the Month 15% Off in January The Quilting Foot #29C is a special presser foot for easy free-motion, outline and stipple quilting. The vertical spring presses the foot securely to your project, preventing the fabric from riding up with the needle (flagging). The material therefore lies flat while it is being sewn, allowing you to produce neat, consistent stitches. For even greater sewing ease, Quilting Foot #29C features a clear sole, affording you a perfect view of both needle and stitching area at all times. Let us know the model number of your Bernina so that we can order the correct part for your machine. Please contact us if you need any more information. We currently have the following models in store: Bernina 570QE Including a 8.5 inch throat, colour touch screen, adjustable presser foot pressure, programmable foot control, BSR stitch regulator foot fo...

We have curated some of our favourite links here. Some could be for you to participate in and some just to inspire you! We can take no responsibililty for links that no longer work, but do let us know so that we can remove them. Textile Talk With Alison Whateley from the School of Stitched Textiles Friday Feature Artist with Claire Benn from Fibre Arts Take Two  Julian Stair, potter, in conversation with Glenn Adamson Fibre Arts Take Two: Kerri Hollingsworth Karen Nicol: From Flea Markets to Fashion Runways School of Stitched Textiles Textile Talk With Jude Kingshott  School of Stitched Textiles Ellie Burkett Friday Feature Artist Fibre Arts Take Two Friday Feature Artist - Kate Tarling from Fibre Arts Take Two Video: drawing on gallery walls with tape - Michael Craig-Martin RA talks about his series of wall drawings featuring instantly recognisable objects. Changemakers: Meera Syal In Conversation Wednesday 27 November 2024 6.30 - 7.45pm Benjamin W...

If you would like us to include your group on this page and in our newsletter, please use the contact form on our website to send us the information. Southend Seaside Stitchers Southend Seaside Stitchers (formerly South & East Essex Embroiderers Guild) meet twice a month in Westcliff-on-Sea with a mixture of mini workshops, speakers and bring your own project sessions. They welcome all stitchers and textiles enthusiasts to their meetings. For more details, please see their  Facebook  and I nstagram   pages or email    southenendseasidestitchers@yahoo.com Romford Embroiders They meet monthly on a Saturday afternoon at the United Reformed Church, Western Road, Romford Find out more about Romford Embroiderers here. Essex Silk Painters Essex Silk Painters is a vibrant local chapter of the National Guild of Silk Painters. They meet in Toot Hill near Ongar on the first Saturday of every month (except January) for day-long workshops. Some days have ...

We offer free patterns as we come across them. Please note that we can take no responsibility for links that do not work.   This week, cross stitch designs from DMC. Download Christmas Tree here Download Gingerbread House here This week, cross stitch designs from DMC. Download Ice Skating bauble here Download Winter Wonderland bauble here Something a little different this week! A free pattern for pompom trees (or pomsai trees!) from a new book called Pomomania by Christine Leech we will have the book in stock shortly if you would like to try more of her super designs. Download pomsai trees from our website here Just in time for Halloween, we are offering this free pattern for a pumpkin this week. Crochet in 4 ply cotton yarn, this will be perfect for a spooky display! Download your pattern from our website here Add nordic-inspired charm to your home this festive season with this macramé Christmas tree pattern. Your finished piece will make a unique boho tree decoration or will equa...