For the first time in a long time we have wonderful clear skies and a glimpse of what the months ahead might offer. It’s fairly obvious that we have avoided some of the terrible weather conditions suffered by parts of North American and Australia so we’re not complaining too loudly, it’s just so relaxing and reassuring to see the sun after what seems like months of grizzly greyness. (With a burst of enthusiasm we have launched some new items on our website shop that might also lighten up the day of any movie fans out there - see previous blog).

Celia Pym, who is leading a combined workshop with Julie Arkell in July (our first such, and now waiting list only) recently invited members of the public visiting the V&A to bring along garments for her to repair. The event fell into a series of fascinating ‘Mending’ projects she hosts as a way to meet strangers through their clothes and discuss care. Visitors brought sweaters and socks and jeans and scarves, hats, gloves and blankets which she “repaired’ with bright coloured yarns. Following on, Celia is now part of TJ Boulting’s Exhibition, Subversive Stitch” , at 59 Riding House Street, London W1W 7EG, 14th February - 23rd March, 2019, a group show of textile-based works, incorporating embroidery, weaving, carpet, tapestry, clothes and sculpture.

However it's not too late to join us for Åsa Tricosa’s remarkable Knitting Im-Mercerie III from the 27th June to 2nd July. If you haven’t already a fan of Åsa's Ziggurat Book, she is currently offering for download two of her charming patterns online: Rabalder and Simple Summer Ziggurat.

Also, as we edge closer to our workshop season we being to feel energised and excited. The first event is a piano recital on 30th March of Debussy Nocturnes and Chopin Images to be given by the talented young Dutch pianist, Cyrill Ibrahim. Whilst we have a couple of residential places for the full weekend, there are also simple concert tickets available if you are in this neck of the woods - definitely not to be missed.

Book concert tickets

There are few people that have the kind of impact that leave you stirring for a long while after. Chris Grimes is one of those individuals. His workshops are filled with great humour. intellect and thought provocation… a brilliant event. Barclays Bank delegate

In May the ebullient and hugely entertaining Chris Grimes and his InstantWit team arrive to lead a Laughter Lab Weekend. Don’t be misled by the description of “improvisational comedy” because this event is so much more. In fact the weekend has very little to do with stand-up comedy as such and much, much more about a general desire to access your creativity by inviting more fun and spontaneity into your day-to-day life. There are a few places available for this remarkable event if you are quick. Let’s face it, we could all use a laughter-filled weekend at a beautiful venue in a fabulous area of south west France amidst like-minded people learning how to relax and enjoy life to the full?

The innovative yet timeless drawings of Leonardo da Vinci will soon be arriving in mailboxes around the U.K., thanks to a special stamp release marking the quincentennial anniversary of the Italian artist’s death. In tandem with the special stamp edition, twelve cultural institutions throughout the United Kingdom will be showcasing a total of 144 of da Vinci’s works in the dispersed show Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing. The exhibitions opened at the beginning of February and are on view through to May 6, 2019 in Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, and other U.K. cities. Stamp sets are available from Royal Mail. (via artnet). We intend to buy a whole set and frame it!

Springing forward....