NaviStitch and Sail Loft News
- Miranda Acres
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
One exhibition ends, another begins
One of the things I enjoy most about running the Sail Loft Gallery is how quickly the space changes.
As I write this, the Affordable Art Show has just come to a close. It was a lovely exhibition to host and, judging by the conversations it sparked, many visitors appreciated the chance to browse original artwork without worrying about eye-watering prices.
Now the gallery is changing again.
From 3rd-27th June, the Sail Loft will host:
Reclaim : Reborn
Part of the Manningtree Earth Festival, this exhibition focuses on art and objects made from reclaimed, repurposed and recycled materials.
I've always loved seeing what artists can create when they look at materials differently. Sometimes limitations lead to the most inventive ideas.
This exhibition feels particularly timely and I'm excited to share it with you. Find out more about our artists and their pieces by following us on Facebook or Instagram - meanwhile, here's a quick run through of the exciting work that we've got in the Sail Loft Gallery
Manningtree Earth Festival
The Earth Festival returns throughout June, bringing together events across Manningtree that explore sustainability, biodiversity, creativity and community action.
What I particularly like about the festival is its positive approach.
Rather than focusing solely on problems, it asks:"What can we do?"
That spirit runs through several events taking place here at NaviStitch.
Flower Head Collage Workshop
Using recycled papers and handmade paper produced from recycled cotton fibres, we'll create embroidered floral artworks where every piece becomes completely unique.
If you have old maps, sheet music, wrapping paper, book pages or other papers you'd like to give a second life to, you're very welcome to bring them along. Book your place on any of our workshops here
Welcoming Mae Kandoo
I'm delighted to host textile artist Mae Kandoo alongside this year's Earth Festival.
Mae Kandoo's workshops explore practical creativity with a sustainability focus:
Visible Mending:Learn decorative and practical ways to repair well-loved clothing rather than hiding signs of wear. Book your place here
Versatile Visibility Pins:Create embroidered wearable pieces from reclaimed high-visibility workwear and reflective materials. Book your place here
Both workshops celebrate creativity, resourcefulness and making things last.
New Arrivals in the Shop
I've had a new delivery from Gina-B Silkworks.
The shelves are now restocked with Yorkshire Buttons kits and Seashell Loom sets, and the B-Loom sets.
The Seashell Looms remain a particular favourite of mine and we'll be incorporating them into the On the Shoreline workshops later this summer.
It's always exciting when new creative tools arrive - especially when they open up fresh possibilities for making.
Wild Sewing Continues to Wander
While all of this has been happening, I've continued adding new pieces to the Wild Sewing project.
Some have been stitched in locations that are perhaps a little more unusual than most embroidery studios!
The project has always been about demonstrating just how portable creativity can be - proving that paper embroidery can happen almost anywhere.
If you'd like to see where I've been stitching recently, you can follow along on Instagram and via my website
Manningtree Has Pride
One of the joys of being based in Manningtree is the sheer number of community events that happen here.
On Saturday 6th June, Manningtree Has Pride returns, bringing together live music, performance, sport, food, creativity and community across the town.
We'll be open as usual throughout the day, so if you're visiting Manningtree for Pride, do pop in and say hello.
Looking Ahead...
After Reclaim : Reborn, we'll be moving straight into another local favourite:
Manningtree Art Trail Exhibition
Where we will be exhibiting Amanda Clement-Robinson, Jem Gooding, Sophie Taplin and Sam Luxford from 1st-11th July.
And beyond that, summer workshops, commissions, framing projects and all sorts of creative adventures continue.
As ever, thank you for supporting the shop, gallery, workshops and exhibitions.Whether you've visited recently, joined a workshop, bought a kit, commissioned a piece or simply followed along online, it genuinely means a lot.
Calm waters and plain sailing,
Sam
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