Dates for Your Diary

Good day, my friends! I hope you're doing well and those of you in southern England are enjoying the heat wave and thunder storms (don't you love a good storm?). Today I wanted to share a few upcoming dates in my diary for crafty events that you might want to come along to...

The Handmade Fair

When? Friday 19th to Sunday 21st September 2014
Where? Hampton Court Palace

Hosted by TV's Kirstie Allsopp, this new crafting extravaganza includes talks from the likes of Kaffe Fassett, the V&A,  Cath Kidston and Pinterest; hand-crafted shopping goodness; the Etsy business school; and, perhaps best of all, tons of workshops on everything from paper cutting to cake decorating, cross stitch to furniture upcycling. Oh and of course sewing! I'll be running sewing workshops throughout the weekend in the Janome tent, giving complete novices the opportunity to make friends with a sewing machine, and beginners the chance to sit down and stitch the Brigitte scarf in an hour. I'll be popping over to the Quadrille stand for a book signing at some point too, and I hope I'll have time to explore some of the show because it looks fantastic. You should come!

Crafty Fox Talks: Blogging, social media and events

When? Wednesday 30th July, 6.30 - 9.30pm
Where? MOO, 32 - 38 Scrutton Street, London, EC2A 4RQ

If you run a crafty business and are looking to spread the word through blogs, social media, pop-up shops or workshops, this talk is for you. I'll be on the panel to share my experience and tips on blogging and social media, alongside speakers from HAM, Craft Candy and Eventbrite. I'm looking forward to picking up advice from my fellow panellists and audience too - it should be a really interesting evening.

Thread... a festival of textiles

When? Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September 2014
Where? Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR

This lovely festival is celebrating the art of textiles with talks, workshops, exhibitions and a marketplace. I'll be giving a talk at 3 o'clock on the Saturday taking you behind the scenes on my book and sharing what's involved in putting together a craft book. I must admit I haven't been before, but it looks like a lovely arts centre (and I do know of them from my former career working with arthouse cinemas!) and a nice environment for meeting new people and getting inspired.

If you come along to one of these events, please don't be shy, I'd love to say hello! Hope to see you there...