Geeky Stitching Company and the love of Harry Potter

Social media can be a wonderful thing. I know it feels like it is regularly getting a battering but, for me, it is one of the best ways to discover some lovely independent businesses. It is, in fact, how I discovered the fabulous ‘The Geeky Stitching Company‘: a truly brilliant, independent cross stitch pattern designer based in the South of England – Devon to be precise.

My eye was caught initially by those wonderful words ‘Harry Potter’. I spotted a brilliant bundle of two Harry Potter-inspired designs that looked a lot of fun to stitch. So I placed an order.

The kits are beautifully presented, although being a bit of an amateur at this blogging malarkey, I forgot to take a photo. However, I promise they are pretty. A lovely pastel, branded presentation box with everything inside wrapped perfectly in tissue. The kit contains everything you need to complete the design – a needle (essential), the threads (ready sorted), aida, a hoop, the pattern and an instruction sheet. There is also an awesome pom pom trim.

Now, for some stitchers, I commit a bit of a sin: I do not sew with a hoop. I never have – I am sorry. I used them for the finished presentation only – again, I am sorry.

Anyway, now I have confessed, back to the post. The instruction and the patterns are easy to follow – just remember to start at the centre and always count your stitches.

These kits are great for all abilities and are so satisfying to complete. They are just so fun and colourful and will basically make you happy at every stage.

Also, I have really appreciated the support of Jess of ‘The Geeky Stitching Company’. She will always recognise your efforts if you share them on social media and happily replies to DMs. In fact, I was so happy when she shared one of my photos to her Instagram – felt like a real achievement on all sorts of levels.

I have since stitched four Harry Potter inspired designs and absolutely love them. They make me smile every time they catch my eye because, let’s be honest, who would not rather be at Hogwarts?

So, if you are a fan of cross stitch or want to give something new a go, pop over to ‘The Geeky Stitching Company‘ and pick yourself a little kit.

P.S This is not an ad or something that I was asked to write – I just wanted to share my thoughts on a great independent business and something that has made me smile this summer.

Creative Calligraphy

As a lover of words, it is only natural to be a lover of lovely writing too. With that in mind, my dear friend Miss W and I decided to give a calligraphy class a go.

We attended one run by Feather and Flourish – a creator of stationery for special occasions. The class was in Birmingham city centre at the rather cool Lost and Found. You arrive to a beautifully laid-out table with lovely place settings. There is a lovely pack of goodies, with everything that you need to have a go at calligraphy: ink, nib, pen, paper and a handy set of help sheets.

After a brief introduction of handy hints, you are able to get stuck right in and have a go. This does take the fear out of the situation, as everyone is so absorbed that you know nobody is going to notice if you actually have any talent for the creative…

You start by practising the common strokes and getting the lines you want, either thick or thin. Letters are a little more of a challenge but there is something very therapeutic about the flow of calligraphy. Capital letters are really fun topractice and it is great to develop your individual style; lower case is a little harder,as some do not seem to be the letter, but do make a lot of sense once you attempt words. It is great fun to develop your own individual style and Heather is always on hand to offer helpful hints – but it is nice to not feel pressured as you practice.

The giggles for myself and Miss W certainly came with the practice of words. The confidence you have built on the individual letters does need a little rebuilding as you try to form words. The key seems to be to remember to flourish (and not miss out letters…oops).

We both really enjoyed the workshop and feel that we have learnt a new skill we can not wait to practice. It is also fantastic that the little batch of goodies is yours to keep and continue your adventures in letters and words.

Fancy learning a new skill? Check out Feather and Flourish for all the information on upcoming workshops.