Hello all!
Last month I wrote a bit about reconciling doing things that may feel more frivolous, like making pretty dresses, with concern about the state of the world, and since then the state of the world only seems to be getting worse and worse. I doubt that I’m alone in feeling despondent sometimes despite things for me personally being absolutely fine.
But no matter what’s happening, I find a lot of solace in the people I meet in the shop and those who come to my Sewcials, workshops and classes. There’s something about making and maintaining connection in the real world that really helps. And it’s even better when it’s not just people who already agree with you.
One of the great things about sewing is that you get to meet and chat to all sorts of people with whom you have at least one thing in common - sewing - but also plenty of difference. I think it’s so beneficial, and that’s the feedback I get from others too. We have some very interesting discussions in here, besides all the laughter and concentration-induced hush.
So if you’re feeling alone or anxious or a bit hopeless, do try and keep in the habit of being around other people, whether it’s at one of my summer sewing sessions, a Sewcial or something not even sewing related (it’s allowed!)
And if you’re absolutely fine and dandy, then that’s great too, come and share some of that good stuff with the rest of us please!
This month is relatively quiet in the shop and I will take the opportunity to close for a few Thursdays and Fridays here and there - listed below - in order to have a bit of time with my kids. But there are still plenty of sewing opportunities if you want them, and I have made the September courses available to book already too - they’re almost full, just one single spot left on the Saturday afternoon course, so if you want it, don’t hang about!
All the courses are now mixed ability, but if you are a complete beginner and would prefer a special beginner’s course, let me know and if enough people are interested I’ll see if/when I can squeeze one in. 
Here's a pic from my recent all-day beginner's course, which was great fun and ended with three newly minted (and very tired) sewists going home with finished or nearly finished Stevie tops, yay!
Below you'll find a list of everything that's coming up over the next month or so at the shop. You can book any of the classes, workshops and Sewcials online here, or at the shop. Happy Sewing!
X Rita
Catkin & Scraps: Upcoming Events
Sat 26th July: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
4pm - 6pm Summer Sewing Session £20
Wed 30th July: 10am - 4pm Sewing All-Dayer £65
Fri 1st August: Scrappy Sewcial ‘Appliqué’ £12
Sat 2nd August: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
4pm - 6pm Summer Sewing Session £20
Thurs 7th & Fri 8th August: Shop Closed
Sat 9th August: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
Thurs 14th & Fri 15th August: Shop Closed
Sat 16th Aug: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
4pm - 6pm Summer Sewing Session £20
Wed 20th August: 10am - 4pm Sewing All-Dayer £65
Fri 22nd August: 10.30am - 12.30pm Sewcial £8
Sat 23rd August: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
4pm - 6pm Summer Sewing Session £20
Fri 29th August: 10.30am - 12.30pm Sewcial £8
Sat 30th August: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
Tues 2nd September: 7pm - 9pm Wk1/6 Sewing Course Mixed Ability £120 FULL
Wed 3rd Sep: 1pm - 3pm Wk 1/6 Sewing Course Mixed Ability £120 FULL
Fri 5th Sep: 10.30am - 12.30pm Sewcial £8
Sat 6th Sep: 1pm - 3pm Sewcial £8
4pm - 6pm Wk 1/6 Sewing Course Mixed Ability £120 (1 space left)