Tuesday 24 September 2013

Handmade in Britain

Handmade in Britain is a programme which has been shown on BBC 4 recently.  This is a series of programmes which highlights Britain's relationship with fabric, featuring knitting, needlework and wallpaper.
The programme which is currently on iplayer covers knitting.  I watched it last night, and it is well worth a look.  I particularly liked the knitted swimsuit, which were all the rage apparently - I thought it stood up quite well to a soaking and didn't sag right down to her knees as you would have expected!

Anyway the ladies upstairs have been busy with their displays again and I think you will find it's time for tea!



Thursday 19 September 2013


Future Classes coming up with Pamela from Chelmsford - just to tempt you a little.  These projects use a variety of different feet for the Juki machines. 

Franklins offer a large range of machine classes to further your knowledge of your machine. On these classes we provide a selection of fabric and threads needed for each class.

                                               
Juki Exceed I                                                                   Thursday 7th November

This one day class will cover the basic operation as well as the many functions that this machine has to offer from the box feed to effortless free machine embroidery. The sensor buttonhole attachment enables you to sew a buttonhole on a single layer of fine fabric and the many and unique decorative stitches this range of machines has to offer are quite outstanding. Many more techniques will be shown from a blind hem to easy gathering techniques.
Price: £32.00

Juki Exceed II – Patchwork & Applique Techniques       Friday 22nd November

The settings on these machines will allow you to achieve perfect results within your Patchwork, Quilting and Applique. The class will include echo quilting, Foundation pieced crazy patchwork, and achieving perfect embroidery techniques.
Price £32.00

HZL G110 & G210 - Patchwork & Quilting               Thursday 28th November

On this class learn how to use your Juki HZL-G Series to create perfect patchwork & quilting techniques. Even with the pre-set settings the Juki has for quilting and patchwork learn how to change them to meet your requirements.
Price £32.00

Overlock I                                                                     Saturday 9th November   

Learn how to understand your overlocker – this versatile machine can do much more than finish seams. After learning the basic of tensions and differential feed you will be discovering different stitches and techniques, including – inside corners, outside corners, working with lycra, satin, jersey and lace, flatlock stitch and a rolled hem for pin tucks, edging fine fabrics, placing a “V” neck within a neckband and more. With fabric samples to take home showing the results you achieved during this enlightening day you will have the confidence to use your overlocker to its full potential. Why not come to this class if you are thinking of buying an overlocker.
Price £38.00 – Franklins customers or £69.00 not purchased from Franklins.

So if you have purchased a machine, are about to purchase a machine, or would be just interested in finding out more, than just pop in.

Monday 16 September 2013

Patchwork and Quilting Club

Patchwork and Quilting Club got off to a flying start this September. Everyone was pleased to get back after the summer break and all seem geared up for work. We started on that dreaded word - Christmas! We made Christmas ornaments, but not until we had some show and tell, along with coffee and cake of course!


These two are Lorinda's. The first one was from a kit, but the second was designed (along with Bee) on a Jelly Roll workshop day before the summer. We have another Pre-Cut Day coming up on the 4th October for anyone who is interested. Just turn up with your Jelly Roll, Charm Pack or Layer Cake and there will be lots of inspiration for you to choose from. If you don't have any pre-cuts then just turn up with your latest project and enjoy a day sewing.

This is Maria's contribution to show and tell, and it is a stunner. Maria produces the most amazing quilts, and who know where she finds the time to do them!
And finally this one was Bee's, designed and made over the summer. So there you have it, what a talented bunch. There are lots of clubs and classes for Patchwork and Quilting - if interested then just call in to see us and we can see where we can start you off.



Tuesday 10 September 2013

New Class Programme Available

Well, here we go again. Our run up to Christmas has begun! New Class Programme available - call in and pick up a copy, or give us a call and we can email a copy out to you. We have all the usual clubs and hopefully some day workshops that will inspire you to have a go. We look forward to seeing all of our regulars, but also welcoming some new additions as well.