Craft ArenaCraft Arena provides needlework, knitting and craft supplies, haberdashery, beads, books and textile gifts for adults and children.

I hold regular demonstrations and workshops in my Textile Art Studio at Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay, and showcase the work of local textile artists in my new gallery space.

Why not visit me to see what I have to offer, or take a look at my online shop.

The studio is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and also Bank Holiday Mondays during the Summer.

If you think you can't, I'll prove you can

If you think you can't create wonderful works of embroidery and textile art, think again. I can show you how you can make your own pictures, book covers, hangings etc., taking you through the design process to completion.

If you prefer working from kits, I can help with that too. Contact me for more information and take a look at our workshop pages.

Latest News

Craft Arena has expanded!   New Knitting Yarn Collection
Mo Larkin opening Craft Arena's new Gallery

Craft Arena has opened additional studio space to provide a larger dedicated Gallery and Workshop area. It was opened at a special celebration on Friday 2nd July by Cllr Mo Larkin, Chairman of Basildon, Billericay and Wickford District Countil.

Our inaugural Gallery exhibition, continuing until Sunday 18th July, is a retrospective by the Nine Textile Group, which is based in Essex.

The larger studio space means that we can expand our range of Textile Art supplies to include high quality knitting wools, patterns and accessories.

For more pictures of our opening celebration, and pictures of our re-vamped shop click here.

If you, or a group to which you belong, would like to publicise your work through the Craft Arena Gallery, please contact me.

 

Debbie BlissWe now stock Debbie Bliss knitting yarn. We have Baby Cashmerino in eleven colours, Rialto 4 ply in five colours and Rialto DK in four colours, with more to come. The Baby Cashmerino is 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre, 12% cashmere and is between a 4ply and double knitting weight; while the 4 ply and double knit are 100% extra fine merino wool. All are gorgeously soft.

I also have a good selection of pattern books to go with the wool with some wonderful designs. The wool and books won't be available in the online shop for the time being, but if you would like them to be included online, let me know.

We also supply Knit Pro knitting needles and crochet hooks.

VintajVintaj Brass Components

These beautiful brass components can be used to make jewellery, in scrapbooking, card making and for adorning textiles. I fell in love with them on my recent trip to the US and they are now in stock. View them in our online shop.

 

Stitch & Knit ClubStitch & Knit Club just launched

Our new Knit & Stitch club starts on Wednesday 11th August from 2pm to 4.30pm. You don't have to come every week, but you will need to let us know if you are coming as there are a limited number of places available, and we do need to make sure that there are enough biscuits for everyone!

This will be a social get-together so that everyone share their skills. Just give us a ring if you would like to come, then bring your stitching and knitting and relax and have a good time!

Click on the image for a copy of the poster you can print out.

For my latest news visit Denise's Blog at craftarena.blogspot.com, read my latest newsletter or twitter with me

More information...

I now have a rolling programme of workshops. Visit my Workshop page for more information. Join my mailing list here to receive details of new workshops, stock updates and news from Craft Arena; your details will not be passed on to anyone else.

Read comments from people who have attended my workshops:

Time went by too quickly I was enjoying myself so much!

Excellent. You answered all questions and adapted to individual needs.

Lots of patience, good tutor. Have booked another workshop.

Excellent - fulfilled all my expectations and I learnt a tremendous amount.

This first course has given me the encouragement to try more.

The length of the workshop is just right and enough time is left for students to have a go at trying out techniques. The tutor was approachable, a good communicator and made me feel comfortable and at ease. I'm definately returning for more.

Very good; flexible and tailored to my capabilities.

I really enjoyed the workshop - the tutor was very informative and easy to talk to.

Inspiring, friendly and encouraging.

A very talended tutor with loads of info - excellent value for money.

I'll be back; try to keep me away!

Very helpful and friendly. I had a lovely time.

Brother Sewing Machines

Brother Innov-is Sewing MachinesI am delighted to announce that I now stock Brother Sewing Machines.

I currently have three models to demonstrate, the Innov-is 10A, Innov-is 30, and the Innov-is QC 1000. I recommend that you try out a machine before you commit to a purchase and can arrange for a test drive of most Brother models. I can order Brother machines for delivery within a few days.

Some of the most popular feet for Brother (and most Janome) sewing machines are in stock, together with bobbins - you can never have enough bobbins!

I can also offer servicing for most makes of sewing machines starting from £50. Please contact me for more information.

Keep in Touch

If you would like to receive up-to-date information on what’s happening at Craft Arena, you can join my mailing list by completing our online enquiry form.

Club Visiting Service

I provide a visiting service to local clubs and associations. I can bring a selection of my favourite items or theme supplies to the projects you are currently working on, and give you the opportunity to purchase the supplies you need. I also give talks and demonstrations.

Press Cuttings

Evening Echo 14th July 2010

View my press cuttings.

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