Southend Seaside Stitchers

14/03/2026

We had a fantastic afternoon, welcoming back Anne Kelly to talk about her life as an artist.

We heard about her inspiration, including nature, travel, her childhood in Canada, and re-purposeing old textiles - "don't be too precious" struck a chord with lots of us.

It was fascinating to learn about her method of working, and where her career has taken her around the world and to write books.

Thanks again for visiting
, and all the inspiration.

27/02/2026

This is our (revised (programme for this year.
Those interested in embroidery, stitching and textiles are welcome.
Message for more details.

26/02/2026

Exploring Textile Art through Personal Narrative
Saturday 14th March 2026, 1.45pm to 4.15pm.

We are delighted to welcome back Anne Kelly to our group in March. Anne is an internationally collected artist, lecturer and writer. Her latest book "Abstract Textiles" was published by
last year.

"My Practice" artist’s talk will offer an insight into her creative journey as a textile artist. In this engaging presentation, Anne discusses the evolution of her artistic methods, influences, and the recurring themes within her work. She shares how personal narrative, memory, and social history shape her distinctive mixed-media pieces, which often combine embroidery, found objects, and layered fabrics. The talk provides an intimate look at Anne’s processes, shedding light on both the technical and conceptual aspects of her practice, and encourages dialogue about the role of storytelling in contemporary textile art.

Visitors are welcome, £6 cash please. First floor hall at Balmoral Community Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea. Lift available and car parking. Nearest bus stop, Howards Court.

14/02/2026

Our members have been working on their journal quilts that they started last month, woth the workshop by .janes.
Here is a small selection

19/12/2025

Check your button boxes!!

They were made by sculptor Alberto Giacometti for fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli in the 1930s.

18/12/2025

Journal Quilt with Jane Cheshire - Saturday 10th January 2026, 2-4.15pm

During this workshop you will explore making a Journal Quilt. There are many interpretations of journal quilt making. To Jane, it is a reflective piece of work, where you record and explore ideas. It can be a stitch sample, working on techniques or embrace a piece of work you have enjoyed working.

A variety of stitches will be explored using a selection of threads and you will be provided with a stitch directory of the stitches Jane likes to use.

There will be a demonstrate to create the background, layering fabrics secured using a variety of stitches, appliqué and share ideas to create designs.

Workshop kits will contain all the necessary fabrics.

Please bring your own basic sewing kit, together with any scrapes of fabric and if you have any small pieces of embroidery (either your own work or found pieces) you may want to include.

IMPORTANT - this workshop is now full to visitors.

13/12/2025

We had a lovely Christmas afternoon at Stitchers this afternoon. A Christmas star make to go on a tree, a lovely tea, music, chat with friends. Pkus Juliet's infamous Christmas quiz.

Thank you to everyone who contributed and organised today, and for the past year.

Seasons greetings to all our members, and look forward to seeing you in 2026.

01/12/2025