top of page
Writer's pictureSam Luxford

NaviStitch and Sail Loft news...

Here's what's happening in our creative space, the Sail Loft, the NaviStitch shop, and on Manningtree High Street over the coming weeks...

In the Sail Loft...
Poster to advertise a joint exhibition by artist Mattress with a picture of him and his poster for "Poems for the Blind', both in roundels. Also Tazzy Bro Photography's exhibition 'making the leap'

Well, what ISN'T happening in our Sail Loft Gallery this week!? In fact, in the whole of the NaviStitch building!


We have around 40 fabulous artists and makers who are sharing their work with you over the festive season and there will be opportunities throughout the coming weeks to meet most of them as they join us to help man the Christmas Pop-up - follow us on social media to find out who's in the shop each day.




Some of our creatives have exhibited in our Sail Loft Gallery previously. Others are exciting newcomers and they're bringing fabulous things that we know will fit even the most awkward of stockings!

burgundy background with red ribbon across one corner and red/green baubles hanging from another corner. Advertising late night shopping in manningtree high street

We're now open 7 days a week until Christmas eve:

10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and

11am-3pm on Sundays.

Next Thursday we'll be joining our fellow Manningtree shops in a Late Night Shopping evening:

28th November most of us will be open until 8pm - great for those of you that find it difficult to get to us during our usual hours (although you've now got whole weekends too!)



In the NaviStitch shop
NaviStitch Gift Vouchers in a gold frame

Here's a reminder about NaviStitch Gift Vouchers - they're redeemable against products in the NaviStitch shop - even commissions.

The only thing you can't use them for is Sail Loft exhibitions and pop-up shops (because material belongs to the artist).

Just ask and we'll be all too happy to help.



Images of each of the winning Manningtree Christmas cards


We've got all kinds of Christmas cards in the shop, including the 5 winning Manningtree Christmas card designs (and they're available online while stocks last).


A pack of 6, 15cm square Christmas cards with envelopes is £8 and 50% of the sales price will be donated to the Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club to support local charities.


Painting of a swan in the river in Manningtree. In the background are two sets of raffle tickets

When you visit our shop, don't forget that for just £2 you could win this incredible farewell gift to Manningtree that was painted by William Huntingdon just two weeks before his wedding day, as he prepared to leave the town for a new adventure in New York.


The painting, a tribute to his deep affection for his hometown, has now been left behind as a gift for the community, so it may continue to bring joy and benefit to those who call it home, whilst raising money for local youth group My Blue Pass.


Framed by Nick Holyman Framing "Swan Song" is being raffled here at NaviStitch and the lucky winner will be drawn at 3pm on Saturday, 28th December in our shop.

A little bit of housekeeping...
Several sections of picture frames hung on a wall with the words 'nick holyman framing' over the top

Talking of Nick Holyman Framing, here are the Christmas cut offs for any picture framing this year:

If you drop off before noon on 7th December, your framed piece will be available to collect on 22nd December. Any items dropped off after 7th December will be ready to collect after our January break: 22nd January. See our calendar for dates that we're open over the next couple of months.


Two more dates for the diary...

Just a quick reminder, let's make sure you've got all the festive dates in your diary...

Manningtree Christmas Market: 7th December

Mistley Quay Christmas Fayre: 14th December

And finally...

If you're an artist or maker, we've now got our calendar open for 2025 bookings. Take a look at details of how to book

Think creatively too - our space is not just for individual exhibitions, consider collaborations - If you're a fledgling artist or maker and want to enter the world of exhibiting, let us know and we can help you with introductions, with display materials and with advice.

Until next time...

If you're making memories and would like to celebrate them, or you know someone who's celebrating and would like to mark the occasion, or add something fabulously memorable to someone's Christmas list, think about commissioning a piece of nautical stitched art.



Several small images of many types of picture frames with the text bespoke framing

Take a look at how easy it is to order your own unique piece created from maritime charts, both new and old - many of them fairly local. Always ask if you're looking for somewhere special - I've a huge collection.


Now that we can also take orders for bespoke framing in-store, the whole thing's as easy


Until next time, I wish you calm waters and plain sailing


Sam

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page