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

🎄 Our Christmas Pop-Up Shop Is Now Open!

The doors are open, the fairy lights are twinkling, and our Christmas Pop-Up Shop is officially underway!

We’ve transformed the Sail Loft Gallery into a festive haven filled with handmade gifts, original art, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, woodwork and glass - all created by 37 talented local artists and makers. You’ll find something new every time you visit - and this year, you’ll get to meet the makers too!

Every day, one or two of our exhibiting artists will be in the shop, taking turns to host. It’s a lovely chance to chat, hear more about their creative process, and perhaps find that perfect handmade gift.

Keep an eye on our social media for daily updates on who’s “in the loft” each day.

We’re open every weekday, 10am-4pm, and Sundays 11am-3pm right up until Christmas Eve, with one extra open day on Saturday 27th December from 10am-4pm.

💌 New In – Christmas Card Competition Winners

Our 2025 Manningtree Christmas Card Competition winners have now been announced, and the winning cards are in stock!

Huge congratulations to our four brilliant designers: Sarah Hutton, Rod J Kessler, Louie Scott (age 6) and Alex Scott (age 10) 👏

You can pick up their winning designs in the shop now - a pack of six cards is £8, with 50% of all proceeds donated to the Manningtree Stour Valley Rotary Club to support local charities.

A special thank you, once again, to our prize sponsors: Rio’s Café, Frippery, Bates Upholstery, and The Stour Store for helping make the competition possible.

🕓 Important Dates for Your Diary

🎁 Christmas Framing Deadline – Wednesday 26 November

If you’d like a bespoke frame or nautical stitched commission completed in time for Christmas, please make sure to get it to us by Wednesday 26 November. Nick Holyman (our fantastic framer) heads off for his own Christmas break shortly after, and we’ll be closing for our annual holiday from 28 December to 21 January.

🌙 Late Night Shopping – Thursday 27 November

Join us for Manningtree’s Late Night Shopping event! We’ll be open until 8:30pm with festive treats, mince pies, and the perfect evening to get into the Christmas spirit.

🎅 Manningtree Christmas Fair – Saturday 6 December, 1–6pm.

Our creative little town will be buzzing with stalls, entertainers, and Christmas cheer. We’ll be open all day, so make sure to stop by for handmade gifts, nautical stitched art, and plenty of sparkle!

🧵 A Note from Me

It’s been such a busy few weeks - from launching my books and kits, to setting up the Christmas Pop-Up Shop, to seeing all your smiling faces at the preview night! I’m so grateful to everyone who’s popped in, supported our makers, or shared our posts online - it all helps to keep our creative community thriving.

If you haven’t yet visited, there’s still plenty of time - and if you can’t make it to Manningtree, remember you can always shop online too:👉 www.navistitch.com/shop

💙 Until next time...

Pop by and say hello, or drop me a line to chat about stitched commissions, framing, exhibiting in 2026 or anything else - you’re always welcome!

Wishing you calm waters, festive sparkle, and plain sailing,

Sam