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About The SHQA
Welcome to The Sew Happy Quilters' Association
UK's LARGEST QUILTING ASSOCIATION
The SHQA offers a FREE MEMBERSHIP for all with an Online Directory connecting members with Tutors, Groups and Suppliers across all things Needlecraft.
Founded by Rachel D’Ambrosio, the SHQA was born to reimagine the quilting world, challenge current trends and habits whilst finding positive alternatives, celebrating individuality and with a fresh inclusive environment and has grown to become the UK's largest Quilting Association.
All members of the SHQA bring their own perspective and value as quilter, we are amazing because of this diversity and that's so powerful. The SHQA's core values of Shine, Embrace and Wellbeing is stitched into everything we do, making us very happy.
Every single member of the SHQA shines, because we do not diminish or dismiss your quilting, you have permission to quilt however you do it as no one has the right to tell you your quilting isn't perfect, your stitches aren't perfect or your corners aren't mitered, because you are the artist and we believe that you are allowed to Shine. We don't fix mistakes, because they are not mistakes, they are exploring techniques, we respect each other's processes. We value every quilter as you bring your own stories together with fabric and thread.
We Embrace every single member because we are all unique. We are a vibrant, happy community of quilters of all genders. Because creativity knows no boundaries, we embrace the personal expression that everyone brings regardless of age, background, skill level or style. Our members often turn to our quilting world, for peace, purpose or emotional healing. Embracing everyone means recognising that quilting often carries deep personal meaning. Quilts speak to us and quilting gives us a voice where everyone fits in and this also makes us sew happy.
We enhance the Wellbeing of every member, there are reasons why we turn to quilting, it’s quite often a way of processing our emotions. We do not need to be flawless to be valued, this is why the SHQA does not judge. You are enough. Quilting isn’t just one thing, it's art, it's wrapped in love, it’s how you lose yourself, it changes us as we learn and grow, it allows our minds to wander and drift and this all contributes to happiness and mental wellbeing.
We are excited for this sea of change in the quilting world and celebrate it. It’s an exciting time to be a quilter as the world of quilting is changing. Join us on this amazing journey.
With much love Rachel D’Ambrosio,
CEO & Founder
The Sew Happy Quilters' Association's Connected Charities
Cats Protection is the UK's Largest Cat Welfare Charity, they stand up for every cat and are at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using their decades of experience to help all cats and support owners to keep their pets happy and healthy.
We are absolutely thrilled and bursting with excitement to announce that The Sew Happy Quilters' Association has officially connected with Cats Protection.
Through our Quilts for Cats initiative "Operation Warm Beans", we are on a mission to spread pure joy and comfort. These handmade treasures aren't just about providing cozy wellbeing for the adorable cats under the devoted care of Cats Protection they are also a heartwarming gift for the wonderful owners embarking on the magical journey of welcoming a brand new furry member into their family!
Tools for Self Reliance are a Charity creating brighter working futures by supporting people in Africa to learn a trade and earn a living, while providing volunteering opportunities and practical projects here in the UK.
The SHQA team is excited to be partnering with TFSR by running online and in person events, to help raise funds for Tailoring training Projects in Africa.
We are truly delighted to partner with The Lewis Foundation in supporting individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
Our community is built on compassion, creativity, and the belief that small, handmade gestures can bring comfort during difficult times, values that closely align with The Lewis Foundation’s mission to provide thoughtful care packages to patients in hospital.
By contributing our handcrafted 'Comfort Coasters' we hope to add a personal, reassuring touch that lets recipients know they are not alone. This partnership beautifully reflects our shared ethos of kindness, community support, and making a meaningful difference, one stitch at a time.
To get involved visit our events page to see all of the activities we are organising for our Charities.
Our Corporate Sponsorships
The SHQA team are proud sponsors of Grosvenor Events. We are all about encouraging creativity, wellbeing and inclusivity in quilting, welcoming stitchers of all skill levels. Sponsoring Quilts UK aligns with our ethos, which helps new quilters feel recognised and celebrated.
The SHQA team are excited to be sponsors of ICHF Shows in their Stitching Den and Proud Lounge areas. Bringing crafters together across textile art and sewing, creating connections so everyone can discover quilting through other crafts, helping to grow an inclusive quilting community.