15th January 2026

The view from the cutting (and stitching) edge presentation by Mr X Stitch, Jamie , was interesting and thought provoking.

Jamie started stitching at the age of 10 and returned to stitch in 2003 when he bought a kit to occupy time through a long journey.

Following this he began to create his own X stitch patterns that he was interested in. In 2008 Jamie became Mr X Stitch developing a blog where he shared work of others, he entered competitions and taught X stitch at the RSN.

Jamie has been involved in collabarative Art projects including Blackburn Cathedral where he had stitched work mounted in hoops, with information about the pieces on the back, which were then suspended to view .

 

He has created books to raise awareness Push Stitchery, Mr X Stitch -Guide to X stitch, then magazines in which X Stitch Revolution was the first theme.

 

This has been followed by podcasts in which Jamie interviews embroidery and textile artists as well as people who love crafts.

 

Jamie has set up the Mr X Stitch Contemporary  Needlework Prize which features 4 categories - 3D textiles, hand embroidery, machine embroidery and mixed media.

In 2023 Jamie started the Crewe Creates Project and is now based in the former Burtons Store in Crewe which he is renovating and developing into a gallery and creative space for local people/children/students. 

   

 

 18th December 2025

Christmas Celebration with a 'Surprise Speaker'

Our speaker for the Christmas celebration was Judy G, a flower arranger, who talked about her work and demonstrated a variety of simple but very effective flower arrangement techniques. These were suitable not only for Christmas but were adaptable for use throughout the year.

 

The ideas presented were able to be created by adults as well as some being suitable for younger family members to try.

As seen in this (front right) where a beaker with a taped grid over the top provided a guide as well as stability for the flowers and character decoration. 

 

 

The bonus was that the flowers used by Judy were bought from the supermarket and supplemented by any available greenery from the garden, meaning that any one could achieve the flower arrangements produced.

The arrangements and left over flowers were raffled so many members had the opportunity to create their own Christmas flower decorations.

 

There were many contributions to the 'Christmas swap' gift tag which were enjoyed by their recipients.

 

 

 

 

The buffet lunch was enjoyed as was the opportunity to chat with fellow members at the tables.