Whats on and coming up...

Looking back at 2025… and a creative hello to 2026!

Here’s a little New Year update from NaviStitch - a chance to pause, look back at a wonderfully creative year, and share what’s coming up as we head into 2026.

🌊 A Look Back at 2025

As we step into a new year, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported NaviStitch throughout 2025 - whether you visited the shop, came to an exhibition, joined a workshop, commissioned a piece, or simply followed along and shared kind words. From exhibitions and pop-ups in the Sail Loft Gallery, to bespoke stitched commissions, framing projects, workshops and collaborations, 2025 has been full of creativity, connection and community - and I’m so grateful to be able to do what I do, supported by such lovely people.

❄️ Winter Break & Reopening

NaviStitch is currently closed for our annual winter break. We’ll be reopening on Wednesday 21 January, with winter opening hours:

Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

I’m really looking forward to welcoming you back - refreshed and full of new ideas.

In the Sail Loft

One of the first events of the year is the return of the Pre-Loved Art Sale in the Sail Loft Gallery.

This exhibition is all about giving artwork a second life - helping pieces that are no longer right for one home to find a loving new one elsewhere. It’s not a sale for artists, but for people who already own art and would like to pass it on for others to enjoy.

🗓 Exhibition dates: 21 January - 14 February

If you’d like to submit work:

• Complete the application form online:👉

• Bring your artwork to NaviStitch on Wednesday 21 January, between 10am-4pm.

It’s always a wonderfully eclectic exhibition, and a lovely way to start the year.

🧵 What’s Next in the Sail Loft Gallery

The Sail Loft Gallery has an exciting few months ahead:

🧵 The Art of Paper Embroidery - Sam Luxford:

📅 18-21 February: A focused exhibition celebrating paper embroidery, stitched detail and slow, mindful making.

🎨 Anne Plummer Exhibition:

📅 25 February-7 March: A beautiful exhibition to follow from old friend of NaviStitch and hugely talented photo-realist local painter.

After that, the Sail Loft will host our Spring Exhibition - I’ll be sharing more about that in future newsletters.

🖼 Framing, Commissions & the Shop

From our January reopening, I’ll once again be welcoming:

• Bespoke framing enquiries

• Stitched commissions

• Workshop bookings and enquiries

• Plus all the usual handmade gifts, stitched art, books and kits in the shop.

If you’re thinking about a commission for later in the year, or have something you’d like framed, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

🧵 Paper Embroidery Workshops - Dates Now Booking

My Paper Embroidery workshops are open for booking:

These relaxed, friendly sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers alike, and focus on slow, mindful making - learning beautiful stitched techniques on paper in a calm, supportive space:

💌 Valentine’s Card Paper Embroidery – Taster Session

A short, welcoming introduction to paper embroidery - perfect if you’d like to try the technique without committing to a full-day workshop.

In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn the basics of paper embroidery and leave with a handmade Valentine’s card ready to give to someone special.

🕒 Morning & afternoon sessions available: £15 per person (All materials provided for use during the session)

📅 Saturday 7 February, 10am

📅 Saturday 7 February, 1pm

🌊 The Art of Paper Embroidery - Coastal

Inspired by shorelines, nautical charts and coastal details.

📅 Saturday 14 February, 10am

📅 Friday 24 April, 10am

🌿 The Art of Paper Embroidery - Botanical

Taking inspiration from leaves, flowers and organic forms.

📅 Sunday 15 February, 10am

📅 Wednesday 22 April, 10am

All materials are provided for the full workshops, and you’ll leave with a finished piece and plenty of inspiration to continue at home.Spaces are limited and these sessions do tend to book up, so booking early is recommended.

More workshops and creative sessions will be added as the year unfolds - but these dates are a lovely way to begin 2026 with some gentle creativity.

💌 A New Year Thank You

Thank you again for being part of the NaviStitch journey. Your support - in all its forms - makes it possible to keep creating, teaching and sharing this work.

I hope 2026 brings you calm seas, creative moments, and things that make you smile. I look forward to welcoming you back into the shop from 21 January.

Until then, wishing you a gentle and hopeful start to the new year.

Calm waters and plain sailing,

Sam