What's on and coming up...

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

The Christmas Pop-Up Shop is Sparkling Away!

The Sail Loft Gallery is now fully transformed into a festive treasure trove of handmade art, gifts and decorations from 37 wonderful local artists and makers. Every visit feels different, and every day brings a new maker or two hosting in the gallery - it’s been such a joy welcoming everyone in.

Alongside all the beautiful work on display, the shop is also stocked with: ✨ Gift vouchers (always a perfect choice!) ✨ My stitched art, books and paper embroidery kits ✨ Lovely coastal-inspired gifts and stocking fillers ✨ Our Manningtree Christmas Card Competition winning designs — with three still available (Rod J. Kessler’s design has already sold out!)

If you haven’t been in for a browse yet, there is so much to see - and plenty still to come throughout December.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 11am–3pm, plus an extra open day on Saturday 27 December, 10am-4pm.

🌟 Manningtree Window Wanderland

Manningtree is glowing again this December with the Window Wanderland Christmas Art Trail. We’re delighted to be part of it, with an illuminated window display that’s already stopping people in their tracks.

The trail begins in South Street and winds up the High Street, featuring festive artworks created by residents, businesses and local artists. Follow the reveals on Facebook via Theatre of Lemmings — or take a stroll after dark to enjoy the magic in person.

🕓 Important Dates for Your Diary

🎅 Manningtree Christmas Fair – This Saturday!

The Rotary Club’s annual Christmas Fair is back, and it’s bigger than ever with: • 30+ stalls • food, craft and gift sellers • entertainers and choirs • Santa’s Grotto

Most of the High Street shops - including NaviStitch - will be open all day. It’s always a fantastic festive afternoon for the whole family.

🖼 Framing & Commissions Update

Although the Christmas framing deadline has now passed, we’re still very happy to welcome new framing and stitched commission enquiries. Any new framing pieces will be ready after we reopen on 21 January, once we all return from well-earned Christmas break. I might still be able to sneak in a last minute commission if I have the chart and frame in stock, so do please ask if you have an idea in mind.

🧵 2026 Workshops – First Dates Announced!

My paper embroidery workshops were a huge success this year, and I'm delighted to share the first 2026 dates:

The Art of Paper Embroidery – Coastal:

📅 Sat 14 February, 10am📅 Fri 24 April, 10am

The Art of Paper Embroidery – Botanical:

📅 Sun 15 February, 10am📅 Wed 22 April, 10am

I also have new topics and dates planned for 2026 - I'm currently creating the sample pieces - so do keep an eye out for more workshops being announced soon.

🖌 Limited-Edition “Swan Song” Prints by William Huntington

Last December, many of you will remember the original Swan Song painting being raffled in support of My Blue Pass. This year, we’re delighted to share something very special:

We’ve been given just 10 prints in each size of William Huntington’s beautifully nostalgic Swan Song. When they’re gone, they’re gone - and a donation from every sale will once again support My Blue Pass and their fantastic work with local young people.

These prints are available exclusively through NaviStitch.

🎨 Out & About: I'm at the Christmas Collective in Frinton

If you’re heading towards the coast this December, do pop into The Gallery at Photovogue in Frinton, where I am exhibiting as part of the Christmas Collective - a vibrant festive showcase featuring three wonderfully different artists:

✨ Chris Harvey – the magical world of woodturning and resin, full of craftsmanship and seasonal sparkle

✨ Sam Luxford – stitched nautical charts and mixed-media coastal pieces adorned with delicate embroidery

✨ Carolyn Hinchliffe – nature-inspired textiles and botanical paintings, beautifully suited to winter

It’s a warm, joyful exhibition celebrating creativity in all its forms, and well worth a visit if you’re nearby.

Open 1–24 December: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm, Saturday 10am–2pm

💌 A Note from Me

Thank you so much for all the support, visits, messages and kind words over the past couple of weeks. The Christmas Pop-Up Shop has had such a heartwarming start, and it’s been wonderful to meet so many of you in person — your enthusiasm means the world to all our makers.

If you can’t make it in, remember you can still browse and buy online:👉 www.navistitch.com/shop

And as always, feel free to pop in or get in touch about stitched commissions, framing, workshops or exhibiting in 2026 — I’d love to hear from you.

Wishing you calm waters and plain sailing,

Sam