What's Going On?

Leaving the state of the wider world behind for a little while doesn't mean you're not engaging with it the rest of the time, or that you don't care, right? We all need some time to recharge, some joy, something just for us. I try not to feel guilty about living my life and finding joy where I can, even when it feels like the world is going up in flames around me.

I do this by making sure there is some kind of balance. For example I help raise funds for Doctors Without Borders, St Mary's Hospice and the Motor Neuron Disease Association in various ways via my business, as well as donating to charity personally.

I check in with the news, grieve the latest round of disaster, death and disappointment, engage with and support some of the good gals n' guys I find everywhere online (if you're on social media try this, it does wonders for your newsfeed!) and then I get back to my own little circle of influence and try to be as beneficial within it as I possibly can.

That's why I opened up Catkin & Scraps and why I run it the way that I do, because I want to give something back to my community whilst also making a living in a way that doesn't undermine my principles.

So if you're like me and struggling to reconcile what's going on in the world with seemingly frivolous activities like making yourself a beautiful summer dress, don't feel guilty for seeking some respite, in fact, do the opposite and try to seek some more. And then, once you've recharged and had a twirl in your pretty dress or jazzy shirt, maybe donate some money to a cause that matters to you or join a local support group, or write a letter to your MP - as an eternally anxious person I have found that the best antidote to anxiety is action!

Speaking of action, here's a a list of next month's upcoming events at the Ulverston shop. If you want to get some sewing done with some great company, there's loads of ways to come and do that, with or without tuition. And the Sewcials are pretty quiet at the moment so - unlike the rest of the year - if you want to just turn up on the day it's a pretty safe bet that there'll be a space!

If you're not local, there's a few options to book a full day, making it perhaps worthwhile to have a trip out - Ulverston is on the edge of the Lake District and makes a lovely holiday. Or if you can't do that, why not set up your own Sewcial where you are? Sewing with friends is the best!

Here's Penny giving her new Tilly and the Buttons Lyra dress a twirl, just in case you forgot how!

Catkin & Scraps Summer Sewing: July 2025

Tues 1st July 7pm-9pm: Extra Spot £20
Fri 4th July 10.30am-12.30pm: Scrappy Sewcial ‘Pincushion’ £12 
Sat 5th July 1pm-3pm: Sewcial £8
Tues 8th July 7pm-9pm: Extra Spot £20
Wed 9th July 1pm-3pm: Extra Spot £20
Fri 11th July 10.30am-12.30pm: Sewcial £8
Sat 12th July 1pm-3pm: Sewcial £8
                                         Extra Spot £20
Sun 13th July 2pm-4pm: Hexie Club £6
Tues 15th July 7pm-9pm: Extra Spot £20
Wed 16th July 1pm-3pm: Extra Spot £20
Fri 18th July 10.30am-12.20pm: Sewcial £8
Sat 19th July 1pm-3pm: Sewcial £8
                        4pm-6pm Extra Spot (tbc) £20
Wed 23rd July One-Day Beginner’s course ‘Make a Simple Top’ £75
Fri 25th July 10.30am-12.20pm: Sewcial £8
Sat 26th July 1pm-3pm: Sewcial £8
                       4pm-6pm: Summer Saturday Sewing Club £20 
Wed 30th July: 10am-4pm Summer Sewing All Day - Yay! £65

For more info email: info@catkinandscraps.co.uk