November 2025 Newsletter

Hello Happy Quilters!

It’s been a whirlwind of a month since the last newsletter. From museum quilt displays and sewing retreats, to the first SHQA stand and spontaneous classes with the new Junior Quilters of the SHQA, there’s been plenty of excitement. Here’s a little look at what’s been happening.

At the end of September, the SHQA’s CEO, Rachel, and Executive Team member, Beryl, had the wonderful opportunity to visit the American Museum and Gardens in Bath to explore the quilts on display in their Quilt Room. It was a truly delightful and inspiring trip.

Around fifty quilts were on display, drawn from the museum’s impressive collection of 250 pieces, which are rotated every six months. The museum’s unique way of presenting the quilts, referred to as ‘pages’, was particularly fascinating. A video showcasing the full display will be released soon, but in the meantime, photos from the visit can be found in the gallery.

It’s a highly recommended visit, easily accessible with convenient parking and lifts between floors. We are already planning a return trip next year!

Earlier this month, Rachel attended a three-day sewing retreat in Southampton, deciding to step outside her comfort zone by joining the dressmaking class. She found the experience highly enjoyable, even though her overlocker lasted only one morning before being returned to the boot of her car.

Switching to her trusted sewing machine, she received some wonderful guidance from Andrea, who helped her master a knit stitch for working with jersey fabric, something entirely new to her. By the end of the retreat, she had made four tops for her daughter and a quilted waistcoat for herself, which she plans to wear proudly on her travels.

The team is now even more excited for the first SHQA Sewing Retreat, taking place in just a few weeks. Although bookings for this year have closed, dates for the 2026 retreats will be announced soon.

You can watch our livestream from the show, as well as the video filmed at The World of Sewing when the machine was selected, which also captures the moment Linda received her award.

Shortly after the Doncaster Show, Rachel, and Digital Media and Operations Manager, Eloise, travelled to the Quilting and Sewing Show in Malvern to host our very first stand. It was an amazing three days, with a warm, inclusive space where visitors could sit and sew while making the SHQA’s famous rosettes. Families, friends, and fellow quilting enthusiasts joined in; mothers and daughters, couples, sisters, and even children with their grandparents.

A special mention goes to some of the SHQA’s new Junior Quilters, Elodie, Ivy, and Charlotte, who enjoyed making rosettes, and there was even an impromptu Siddi quilting class during the show. The team also had inspiring conversations about the wellbeing benefits of sewing and how The Sew Happy Quilters’ Association is helping to bring a fresh, inclusive approach to the quilting community through its free membership.

There were also some wonderful chats with suppliers, many of whom generously offered exclusive deals to share with members. Visit the gallery to see the photos from this fantastic event. For anyone who couldn’t make it to the show, the livestream is available to watch on our YouTube channel.

The SHQA team are now looking forward to their next big event, the Autumn Quilting and Sewing Show in Newmarket, taking place from 6th – 8th November. You’ll find us on stands 108 and 109, so if you’re visiting, do come by and say hello.

Tickets for the show can be purchased through the Grosvenor Events website.

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the SHQA’s 24-Hour Sew-A-Thon in aid of Tools for Self Reliance is almost here. There are still a few days left to sign up before the event begins at 9am on 30th October, running right through to 9am on 31st October.

The team would love for more members to join in and be part of this wonderful cause. Watch the video to learn more and register for the event on our website.

Our CEO recently enjoyed a wonderful day on the Isle of Wight at The Karen Robb Sewing Collective, teaching another class in Japanese Sashiko stitching. It’s always a pleasure to share this creative and mindful practice, which encourages focus and calm through the art of slow stitching while allowing beautiful, unique designs to emerge. If your group would like to host a Sashiko stitching workshop, please do get in touch to arrange a session.

Since the last newsletter, several exciting new videos have been added to our YouTube channel. The interviews recorded by the team at The Festival of Quilts are now available, including a Day 1 montage of the show and conversations with Jennie Rayment and Netty from Netty Made. You’ll also find interviews with Kristen Hubert and Clare Wilkes, who spoke about their stunning quilts featured in The Sew Happy Quilters’ Association sponsored category, For the Joy of Sharing.

The most recent upload features two fantastic festival suppliers, Suzy from Ashmead Designs and Cherry from Handi Quilter. Be sure to check them out and subscribe to the YouTube channel if you haven’t already.

Lady Sew and Sew Open Day (Saturday 15th November 10am - 4pm) Henley Warehouse.

Quilts for Care Leavers Free Online Sew Day (28th November 10am - 5pm)

Sewing for Wellbeing Talk (28th November 7pm) Unwind on a winter’s evening with an uplifting one-hour online talk from Rachel our CEO, exploring how sewing can nurture creativity and calm. Join live on Zoom, with a Q&A to follow. Tickets: £5 per person, all proceeds support Tools for Self Reliance.

Quilts for Care Leavers Free Online Weekend Retreat (Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th January 2026).

Come along to our first SHQA Quilt Show at Brighton Racecourse on 5th and 6th September 2026, book via our website:

The Quilted Bear Free postage on all orders with no minimum order

Native Lighting 3-in-1 light (usual price £149.00) contact Clare on sales@native-lighting.com to receive the discounted show offer price of £115.99

Lady Sew and Sew Spend over £40, mention that you are a member of The Sew Happy Quilters Association and you will receive a free fat quarter

Sasha Fancy Spend over £25.00 and receive a free limited edition Prym tote bag

Netty Made - Manx Log Cabin pattern FREE download for SHQA members and friends for a donation to our Tools for Self Reliance JustGiving page. Click here to donate to Tools for Self Reliance.

Sewbox 10% off with code ‘SHQA’ valid until 31st December 2025

Knit Stitch Chill Free P&P on your first order when you sign up to their newsletters

With much love

Rachel D'Ambrosio - CEO & Founder

and The SHQA Team