Creative community

In this final episode of series 2, I talk about how we'll move through and out of the current English lockdown periods, as I record it in February 2021. What my group sewing sessions will be. We also get to finish off the simple sewing project I've been talking you through all of this series. My woman of the week is Jo McCarthy. Goodness, 12 episodes I've done in total now. I'm very proud I have to say. Let's see if another series happens this year. If not, thanks so much for listening and I hope it's had my desired affect on you.

Hello and welcome to series 2 episode 5 of this podcast. The theme for this series is 'simple'. In this episode I discuss if we really do want simplicity, as we have had it thrust at us almost with the effects of Covid lockdowns in the U.K. Each week I also talk about an inspiring woman from my world and today it's Elaine. Our sewing project takes another step forward and I manage all this in 22 minutes, which for me is pretty darn good. Get your earphones on, grab the dog for a walk or sit down to have a brew break and relax whilst you listen. 

Here we are again with this series of the podcast with the theme 'simple. Today's episode talks about the fact that we can't know how others will respond to our patchwork and quilting projects, so let's share the joy and enthusiasm of it, so that they can feel it too.  The project I've been guiding you through this series is at the 'hanging straps' stage. I'm really testing you and I to see how well I can explain it, using only the spoken word and you're only using your hearing. It's a fun creative challenge. It's playtime after all - the clues in the podcast name.  I talk about the woman of the week, who is particularly close to me.  I've sneaked closer to half an hour this episode, rather than my allotted 20 minutes but I forgive myself, so I can only hope you can forgive me too. Surely it means an extra biccie as you listen?! 

In this episode I explain what Ikigai means for me and what it could possibly mean for you. It links strongly to the series theme of simple.  We take the sewing project to the next stage, which I do hope you will adapt to suit you. There's also a segment about another wonderful lady in my world who keeps us going - very very tenuous link there to her business name but I couldn't resist.  Come on in, join in, connect and let's enjoy some audio inspiration in our patchwork and quilting world.

This week I talk about being proud of our creations for the benefit of us all. Because something is simple to us, doesn't mean it is simple to everyone else. It is still a skill. We progress with the simple patchwork project we're creating. The focus being on progress and enjoyment, not perfection in execution and planning. The woman in focus is Janet Carney from 'A Rainbow of Stitches'. I even manage to keep the time under 20 minutes but please do get in touch if you need anymore guidance with the patchwork. Let's get connected.

The theme for this second series of the podcast is simple. Let's find the joy of simple. Perhaps like me, that's all you have headroom for now. We have what we need. Vicky and the orange sofa is the lady mentioned in my person focus. I start off our activity section too. It's all simple, yet can we do it?

Episode 6 will be the last one I record for 2020. Merseymade is back open properly now, so things are busier for me. I have really enjoyed my foray into podcasts and how it can help me and you personally but it also gives Stitchscape another avenue to reach out to sewaholics - newbies and us oldies. Series 2 will start in January 2021. The challenge in this episode though can still be done and you can keep repeating last week's challenge all year round.

That's it. I'm hitting the biggie. The L word. If ever there was a good year for me to get straight on in and tackle the loneliness we all feel, it's this one. Yes that's right, even you with the busy job of dealing with customers every day (be thankful to have them these days!), even you feel it. Let's get it out of the dark, not talked about, cupboard. I also share what I did with last week's challenge and set this episode's one, to get you stitching and nicely distracted for a while. I talk about a very important person/customer at the end. We're all in this crazy life together.

During this episode 4 you hear me talk about why my creative community has changed so much this year. That's not surprising but I still feel we need to talk through this sort of thing to help us work through things more smoothly. I tell you how I responded to last week's challenge and what this week's is. I give more insight to my Art's Council grant bid and then highlight another fabulous lady who is part of my creative community.

This episode starts off with a brief explanation of what the terms patchwork and quilting mean as they are different things. You may be new to this part of the creative world and the difference is very important. There's a segment about where to find me. Searching for Stitchscape on your fave search engine is the best option or on Instagram or Facebook. Then the challenge! Finished off with some information about the person I collaborated with on my Arts Council grant application.