Last week I spent some time in the Studio being creative doing a mix of projects some crazy patchwork
and textile art. Also joined Irene's workshop with a group of ladies making mood pictures. Some of the ladies had also joined us a few weeks ago for Irene's  Decopatch class as you can see from the pictures some fab creations were made.

A few weeks ago I took myself off for a couple of days down to the west country to visit friends and family.On route I visited Make it+knit and stitch in Farnborough, most of the exhibits were linked with paper craft, Although some textile-knitting and beading etc. I  of course did a little bit of shopping and found some great stamps as a gift for my Mum. The shopping fun did not stop there when I caught up with my Mum
that weekend we took a trip to the Range  and had our usual rummage round there craft department.

Then there was Mothers Day so I thought I would include a photo of part of my gift for that day. Fab colours
oh no another idea for yet another project...............

Happy Creative crafting till next time Karen

 The'HAVE YOU VISITED STUDIO 12?

Well if you have not had the chance to pop in yet read below and it will give you an idea of some of the many things we do.

What's been happening at Studio 12 ? We had a really nice evening when some of the ladies visited us from The Horley sewing circle. The main purpose for the visit was to see our "Millie" in action, thanks to Alan who talked about the setting up of the machine and just some of the many good points. Then Pauline gave us a demonstration on how to follow a pantograph pattern to stitch your quilt together. A number of the ladies then took the opportunity to have a go  with our "Millie" creating some free motion designs.

The evening continued with lots of talking about various crafts over cups of coffee, not forgetting a rummage in the stash at the Studio. I hope those of you who purchased Fat 1/4s -Thread - Ribbon etc
have started a new project with said items.

Once again thanks for visiting the Studio it was a lovely evening hope to see you all again soon.

Creative Craft Workshops.... we  have a number taking place in February and March more schedules to follow for future months soon. Just gone, was a small card making workshop with Shirley, creating new card creations.

January and February has been hectic  at the Studio we have also been busy with a number of different 
sewing machine repair training courses. Plus the technical team have been looking after your sewing machines that you have bought in for us to repair or service.

Last but by no means least Studio 12 has just hosted its 3rd Open Day. Once again we were pleased
to see you all, some of you had visited before, others it was your first time. Brand New for February 2016
is our Aztec Thread Club Current Special Price to join £7.00

                       Next OPEN DAY Saturday 19th March 2016 11am - 3pm

Irene has been creating some amazing pictures on the studio Janome Embellisher, the rest of us do not
get a chance to play!!!!! But can you keep a secret I had a go on it yesterday and started to make a textile
creation. (sh, don't tell Irene!!!!!)

Well I think thats enough news for today.
Chat again soon
Have fun as always being Creative
Karen

ep January sure did go in a FLASH, so quick I did not get to write my blog.......

So okay its time  for me to catch up

Well we are settled into the new Studio, although we are still moving bits around, and of course
adding more creative products on a weekly basis. Keeping us busy a number of sewing machine repairs 
and  training courses. Talking to people is one of my best occupations especially if talking crafts.

Then WOW one CRAZY FAB  OPEN DAY/SALE was held at the studio on Saturday 16th January 2016
A number of you were outside waiting to come in. The first 10 grabbed a FREE goodie Bag!!!

We hope that those of you who came had a nice time and for those who could not make it there
is always next time......

MORE OPEN DAYS
2016
SATURDAY
 20th FEBRUARY 
 19th MARCH 
  TIME   11am to 3pm
  Location Studio 12   Horley

Our "Millie" had visitors 26th and 27th of January 2016. Ladies came from across the UK.
One of the days was a maintenance workshop for the APQS Long Arm Quilting machine.
The following day was with Ani Catt from crazy Cat Quilting Devon, showing us some amazing skills
on our "Millie".  I was amazed at how diverse a long arm quilting machine can be, from Free motion
design possibilities to applique, plus embellishing and even quilt as you go the list goes on....

​Looks great fun cant wait to have some practise time

Well if you are local we hope see you soon if not lets keep in touch 
Keep Crafting
Karen

 
Well I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas .

Now all the gifts have been delivered and opened, one of the gifts I made is no longer a secret.

So it is now possible for me to tell you what I have been up to in our new studio/showroom.
Apart from trying to get everything ship shape, all the boxes have been unpacked. Just needed to re 
arrange everything a few times to get it just right........ As anyone who has moved will know it takes
a little while to get ones house in order.

Then there was the making of napkins- tablecloths and padded table mats I also made a number of bags
some Christmas cards  and last but not least I made my first cot quilt. So you will be pleased to
hear that I got a chance to have a go with "Millie" our long arm quilting machine. Using Free
motion stitching I finished the cot quilt. See the pictures not bad for my first go what do you say!!
​
Okay so what next we have a number of Creative Craft Workshops scheduled in January
and February 2016 see the dates on our web site .www.aztecthreads.com

We are having an
Open Day and Mini New Year SALE on
Saturday 16th January 2016 11am - 4pm
We hope you can join us to have a rummage through some  Sale Baskets  of threads,fabric and other craft items plus some special offers on some sewing machines etc. There will be demos and mini
workshops as usual including coffee and cake.

Happy New Year
and great Creative Crafting 2016
Karen

Well I thought November was just going to plod along nicely and then on the 1st December I could panic as normal that I am not organised for Christmas.
How wrong was I .......

​It all started when we found a great New location for our Studio/Showroom, it would be especially suitable as a fab new home for our "Millie" one APQS Long Arm Quilting Machine.

So just a very simple task just pack a few boxes  and move to our New location in less than three weeks. A walk in the park  hahaha I think not as it was more like 50 plus boxes to pack!!!!!!

Ok so we have moved and still unpacking an interesting assortment of threads,fabrics and other craft items
Soon it will be time to put our feet up and relax.

No dont be silly lets have a last minute OPEN DAY  instead .!!!!!!!!!

Yes thats right hot of the press latest NEWS   OPEN DAY SATURDAY 12th DECEMBER 2015 
10am - 4pm  Location Smallmead House Smallmead Horley Surrey. RH6 9AX
Hope you can come and join us to see all the different things we do, plus "Millie" will be showing off all her best features.

Sewing Machines -  Inspirational Threads - Craft Fabric -  Fat 1/4s Creative Craft Workshops

The first 10 people to arrive on the day will receive a FREE GOODY BAG.

,Yet again it seems that I have been slacking in my blog up dates I realy must improve ...........

Well I have been busy I would like to say I have been creative but sad to say no such luck I have been on the computer sending emails designing posters and leaflets for up coming events such as our Open Day 
don't forget 14th November 2015 11am to 3pm at Unit 12 7 Reigate Road SIDLOW Surrey RH2 8QH.

Then I have spent time puting the finishing touches to my own studio in Spain where this last week we had some fun being creative with Carol Mowl from www.beetlefelt.co.uk  A couple of ladies joined us from the UK plus a local lady for some Felting in th Sun.

Carol who is based in Manchester showed us some great techniques for felting, the result was some fabulous Pictures, Scarves, Bowls, Hats, felted soap and  a scrumptious piece of fabric made from nuno felting.

After many pleasant hours spent in the studio we also found time to relax on the terrace, go for a dip in the pool plus visit the local towns and villages. Tuesday night we went shopping and frequented the local
mercria Spanish for Habberdashery shop to buy buttons,ribbons and braid. Followed by coffee in the square for some people watching. The evening ended with dish after dish of  delicious local spanish Tapas

​Thanks to everyone it was a great week.

Karen Aztec

Just as a point of interest 
 Information from Wickepedia
Nuno felting is a fabric felting technique developed by Polly Stirling, a fiber artist from New South Wales, Australia, around 1992. The name is derived from the Japanese word "nuno" meaning cloth. The technique bonds loose fibre, usually wool, into a sheer fabric such as silk gauze, creating a lightweight felt.

Okay so lots happening some of you might have been relaxing in the Sun on your holidays. Maybe not if you happened to stay in the UK as it has been a some what varied Summer blazing Hot one minute then a total downpour of Rain the next.

So to start with, we are offereing a number of sewing and creative craft courses September through December, mind I may have mentioned this already. Perhaps if you did not catch the news last time and you would like to find out more see the web site  www.aztecthreads.com

If you are already thinking of Christmas well don't, not just yet anyway, because we have a fab autumn 
Creative Craft Break available in Spain. "Felting with Carol Mowl" from www.beetlefelt.co.uk
There are two options one is for  5 days and the other is for 8 days. Just a few spaces left so again look at the web site for more details. www.aztecthreads.com

Lets go back to talking about the weather, as like most of us I love the Sun, being warm and relaxed.However I very much miss doing some of my Creative Crafts, as when it is Hot it is not possible to work with some craft items especially knitting. I mostly get my needles out at the end of the year in time to knit everyone a scarf for Christmas!!!!!!!

Mind that said I still find plenty of time to Jot and Doodle ideas down  for the next
  CREATIVE MASTER PIECE..........

Oh well till next time 
Happy Crafting
Karen

Ok so last time we spoke I was talking about fixing up the craft studio in the UK. There are still some jobs to be done, however the studio is looking more ship shape now. Of course there are a number of items still on a wish list but I will get to them in time.

In September, Eileen and Shirley will be starting a program of new workshops. Bite Size Garment Making, Basic Sewing Skills and Fat Quarter Fun!

Then in November, we will be having another Open Day (Saturday the 14th). Plus I will be running several Creative Craft workshops November through December... 
So why not come and join us on the 14th of November to see what we are all about?! Tea and Cake

Back to my wish list. One of the items on said list has been purchased:one Embelisher and I did briefly have a quick play in between redesigning the studio. See pictures of my small samplers coming soon; can´t wait to have another go!