Unfortunately, we don't support Internet Explorer anymore as it has been replaced by Microsoft Edge.
Please try downloading Microsoft Edge or an alternative modern browser for the best experience.
World Password Day
It’s been a busy month here at SHQA HQ, with lots of news and updates to share.
But first, did you know that 7th May is World Password Day? It’s a great reminder of the importance of using strong, unique passwords to help keep your personal information safe. Please also stay vigilant when it comes to emails. The SHQA will never send unsolicited messages asking for money or payments. If you have a confirmed booking with us, any payment requests will only ever come from official SHQA email addresses.
For your peace of mind, the SHQA would also like to reassure you that member details are never sold or shared with third parties. Staying informed and cautious helps protect us all.
Next we have some exciting news to share regarding our ‘Cup Mats’ project. After a successful seven-month partnership with "From Me To You Letters," we are now in a position to scale up.
To ensure our members' beautiful handmade creations continue to reach those who need them most as efficiently as possible, we have decided to pivot our production to a new partner whose systems are specifically designed for physical care packages. We are thrilled to announce that we are now officially partnering with The Lewis Foundation!
As a specialist Care Package charity, The Lewis Foundation’s award-winning infrastructure is built to handle and distribute physical gifts at scale. They are excited to include our quilted cup mats in their hospital gift packs for cancer patients.
What does this mean for our members?
All of our scheduled sewing sessions will go ahead exactly as planned. With a new exciting name of ‘Comfort Coasters’ Your hard work will now be finding its forever home via The Lewis Foundation’s wonderful care packages.
We want to thank the team at FMTYL for the journey over the last seven months, and we look forward to working with Lee, Lorraine, and the team at The Lewis Foundation, check out their website here!
Keep a look out on our YouTube channel for a video coming soon all about the amazing work of The Lewis Foundation together with more demos of making comfort coasters.
Out & About
Rachel was recently invited to two fabulous quilt groups to deliver her Sewing for Wellbeing talk and lead a workshop with each. At Downland Quilters, she spent the day teaching the group the wonders of Japanese Sashiko Stitching and was delighted to be part of the farewell celebrations for one of their long standing members, Joy, who was moving away. Rachel also had the pleasure of meeting the local Mayor!
Next, Rachel headed over to the Isle of Wight to spend two wonderful days with the Vectis Quilters. She spent the evening delivering her Sewing for Wellbeing talk, sharing recently purchased quilts from Arizona, including an Amish quilt, and discussing the wellbeing benefits behind their approach of intentionally including an imperfect block.
The following day was spent teaching the group how to make a Japanese Bento Box Bag and a Japanese Knot Bag, with everyone creating two beautiful bags during the session. A huge thank you to the group for the lovely lunch and thoughtful parting gifts.
Four Months To Go!
It is now just four months until the first SHQA Quilt Show, which is hugely exciting. 5th and 6th September 2026, 10am - 4pm at Brighton Racecourse.
Have you made your plans to visit and purchased your discounted tickets yet? We would love to see you there, please follow the link to purchase your tickets.
There are a limited number of supplier and craft spaces still available, don’t miss the chance to share your products with an engaged quilting community. Our full supplier list will be shared on our website straight after Rachel’s special livestream on the 5th of June, where we will be officially announcing who is exhibiting at our show!
Plans for the quilt display are in full swing, with over 100 quilts planned to be showcased. If you or your group would like to display your quilts, please email us at hello@shqa.co.uk and the SHQA team will be happy to guide you through the process.
In the meantime, below are some photos of stunning, award winning quilts to give you a glimpse of what you can look forward to.
Talking of quilt shows, if you are heading to any soon, including Quilts UK, Quilt Fayre, Sashiko Fest or the Festival of Quilts, and would like to proudly wear one of our famous rosettes, please send the SHQA an email and the team will pop some in the post to you - hello@shqa.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you there and saying hello!
Let's Get Social
Before you read on about upcoming events and current offers, here is a little reminder to check out the latest videos on the SHQA YouTube channel.
Please also take a look at the SHQA social channels, whether you prefer Facebook Instagram TikTok or Bluesky, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
We would also like to give a special welcome to some of our recent followers and members, including Agri from Hungary, Donna S from Australia, Tash from Argentina, Hazel from the Isle of Wight, and Rosslynn from Halifax, along with a very warm welcome to everyone else who has joined us recently.
Upcoming Charity Events
2nd May, 10am - 6pm: Free Zoom Comfort Coaster Sewing Day in aid of The Lewis Foundation Charity
21st May: Deco Patch Workshop at Tools for Self Reliance, contact TFSR
3rd June, 10am - 5pm: Free Zoom Charity Sewing Day - Operation Warm Beans in Aid of Cats Protection
13th June: National Sewing Machine Day at Tools for Self Reliance, contact TFSR
Upcoming Events within our Community
8th - 9th May: Quilt Fayre Northern Ireland. Rachel will be opening the show, and the SHQA are sponsoring the creative classroom
12th - 17th May: Guildford Quilters’ Exhibition celebrating 40 years
14th - 17th May: Quilts UK at Malvern, the SHQA are sponsoring the Beginner’s Category
Special Offers for Members & Friends
Discover special offers from our Tutors, Groups and Suppliers by visiting our brand new offers page on our website. From digital downloads, to free mini scissors!
To be featured on our offers page, please email hello@shqa.co.uk.
Shine - Embrace - Wellbeing
The SHQA is a vibrant, diverse community where every quilter shines. Quilt your way with no judgment, no perfection police. We embrace everyone, all genders, ages, backgrounds, styles, because creativity has no borders. Quilting is art and self care; it helps us heal, grow, and find joy. You are enough. The quilting world is changing, and we're celebrating it. Spread the word and spread the joy!