 Have you heard the advert ‘What did you do during lockdown?’ It got me thinking. My answer is I completely indulge in my love of sewing. From sit-mats to scrubs, blouses to laundry bags and items in between, I sewed my way to sanity.
I have always loved sewing and when I began my business I was concerned it may become a chore. There's always a danger that if you have to do the hobby you love as a job you will become bored. Happily this has not been the case, if there is a danger of stagnating I just change the item I'm sewing, which then stimulates the brain cells, the joy you have when you complete a new item reignites the joy of sewing. Like many other businesses it's been tough, all planned shows and fairs have been cancelled. It will certainly be interesting when shows and fairs do get up and running again. How will they look and how will we social distance in a fair/show setting, only time will tell. In times of adversity it is crucial that businesses adapt and pivot and you may be interested to know that the Jacwicks Etsy shop now offers a haberdashery. It offers a range of products from fabric, interfacing, trims and tape for a whole host of sewing and crafting projects, which has seen an increase in interest during these stay at home times. Networking and business meetings have gone online, which once you’ve got used to the etiquette, I find a great way of communicating and have met some lovely people along the way. Much like everyone else holidays and get together's have been postponed, anniversary and birthday celebrations put on hold, but these can be rescheduled, the main thing is we all come out the other side together. It's great that we can spend more time outdoors and perch in a socially distant way. How many perches does it take to social distance? I hear you ask, well, I will show you over the next week. Check out the Jacwicks Facebook page for updates. Until next time ,stay safe and happy perching! Ruth x
0 Comments
 With business severely affected by the lockdown and like so many others sewing businesses I have diverted my sewing skills to helping those on the front line.
I have joined the ever-growing team of sewers and machinist via the Northeast England Sewing for the Front Line group on Facebook. Set up by Zoe Worrall and Alison Matthews, the aim of the group is to: 'share patterns and discuss making headbands, scrubs, wash bags and anything else we can sew to help out the NHS and the staff on our front line helping to fight covid-19.' If you live in the North East, we are currently in need of fabric to make these items, so if you have had a clear out and have spare items such as cotton/polyester bedding that can be washed at 60 degrees please let me know and we can arrange for it to be collected posted or dropped off. If you know a nurse or have any contact with a hospital in the region that needs any items, or can distribute items, please let me know. If you can sew or knit, or even if not and you would just like to help, please join the group here: Northeast England Sewing for the Front Line or help with funding material at the Go Fund Me page. Having a history of a life saved by the NHS and a son seconded to a Nightingale Hospital, it was time to do something to help. We are all in this together, stay safe, stay home and help the NHS x  What a difference a weekend makes.
In this interchanging new world we are living in, the advice for outdoor activities is changing on a daily basis. As a business that has outdoor activities at its heart, has a belief that nothing makes you feel better than a walk in the country. As someone who has been helped by walking and exploring the countryside, who's son is now on the front line of the NHS, I'm putting up a plea for you to STAY INDOORS, or if you have to go outside ensure you stay 2metres from those around you. Please help the NHS by staying safe and help those around you who are keeping things moving in essential services. There will be light at the end of this path if we all work together, the countryside will still be there when we are through this, do your bit so we are all still here to enjoy it. Stay safe and Perch another day. Ruth x  I am aware of the rapidly changing situation with regards to Covid-19 and would like to let you know how the business is complying with Government advice.
Here at Jacwicks I am l keeping calm and carrying on business as usual. Apart from the fact that the early year events and shows have been either cancelled, or postponed to next year. All products are handmade in house, there's no contact with the outside environment. For those worried about contaminated parcels, please visit the Royal Mails website for reassurance. Whilst so many major and minor events have been cancelled, on the bright side the National Trust are offering free access to their parklands and gardens. Just ensure you keep a safe distance from those around you. Keep up to date with the latest news from the National trust on their website. As we know things change daily. The Jacwicks website is still open for business with gorgeous new lines coming soon. Keep up to date with the products on our product pages. It's been lovely to see so many acts of kindness that have been happening throughout these difficult times. From looking after vulnerable neighbours, having random conversations with strangers, to just keeping spirits up, there so much positivity out there. Yes, it’s difficult and there’s a great deal of miss information, do all you can to stay safe and try not to get caught up in the hysteria (easier said than done sometimes). When things get too much, I like to take a walk in the country, just in the open air and away from the crowds, you can clear your head and readjust your wellbeing. Whilst we can still enjoy the countryside take a walk, find a special spot, take a seat and take a deep breath, it will do you the world of good. Say safe and happy perching. Ruth x We're into March already?! What happened to February? How the time flies and whats been happening, I hear you cry? A lot has happened in the past month, with an exciting new customer and taking Jacwicks on the road again in April. I am delighted to announce the Pocket and Poly Perches are now stocked in the Kielder Waterside shop, right in the heart of the Kielder forest. It as a perfect place to get away from it all and just sit and enjoy listening to nature, after an exhilarating walk around the beautiful forest. It's a place I have walked on many occasions and it never fails to lift your spirits and re energise your wellbeing. Looking towards Easter, I can now announce Jacwicks Designs will be exhibiting at the Sandringham, Craft and Wood Festival, over the Easter holidays: April 11-13. I'm so excited to be part of this prestigious event for the first time. Also in April I will be at Sudeley Castle Spring Homes and Garden Fair 23-26 April, Winchcombe, nr Cheltenham, Glos, GL54 5JD. Set in the beautiful gardens that surround the castle. I will also be exhibiting closer to home in May, at the Northumberland County Show, more information to follow soon. Its Mothers Day on the 22nd March, don't forget to give the gift of comfort with a gorgeous Pocket Perch ! Make the most of the unseasonably warm weather, until next time, happy perching! Ruth x   After a very event filled 2019, what is in store for Jacwicks in 2020?
January is a time to reflect on the past year and take a look at where to concentrate the business this year? A HUGE question! I’ve had some amazing adventures in the past year with a whole host of shows and fairs to exhibit at and brilliant publicity in Country Walking magazine. New products launched and competitions entered. Celebrate these on the Lets Celebrate page of the website, small wins need to be celebrated! Looking at 2020 I am taking Jacwicks on the road again, this time both locally and further afield including an exciting show at Sudeley Castle in Gloucestershire. More to be announced soon. It was great to meet the lovely customers at the shows and I look forward to meeting more this year. One thing I did start in 21019 was the Walk a 1000 mile challenge by Country Walking magazine, total for 2019 was 667, so not quite there but over half way, time to sign up for 1000 mile 2020. The unusually mild January has been great for getting out and about so make the most of it and don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy a beautiful view. Happy Perching.  The final date for ordering to ensure your purchase arrives before Christmas is:
Wednesday 18 December 2019 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Jacwicks customers, happy perching!  Fabwrap by Jacwicks
Beautiful, reusable, sustainable, gift wrapping. Jacwicks Designs is pleased to announce the launch of Fabwrap a new form of beautiful sustainable gift wrapping, that’s environmentally friendly and reduces landfill waste. Made from luxury fabrics in a range of colours, Fabwrap is the easy way to make your gifts look fabulous in no time, for years to come. The art of wrapping gifts in fabric has been around for hundreds of years, Fabwrap is based on the Japanese practice of Furoshiki. With the increasing need to reduce waste and find an environmentally friendly way to live, Fabwrap can be reused again and again and still look amazing. Forget messy sticky tape and mounds of wasted paper, just gather the fabric, tie a knot, add ribbons and decorations, then sit back and admire your gorgeously wrapped gifts. Each gift can be tied with a knot, which makes the unwrapping experience a gentle, easy process with that extra touch of luxury. No messy mounds of waste to go to landfill, just fold and reuse, pass on, or keep. Available in three sizes: small, medium and large, in a range of colours and styles, you can mix and match, or theme for a special occasion. Get fabulous results every time! Check out the range today. The Christmas fair season is nearly upon us and you can catch us at the following shows: 7-10 November 2019 Living North Christmas Fair, Kingston Park, Newcastle Opening times: Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 10am–4pm, Saturday: 10am–5pm https://www.livingnorth.com/northeast/events/essence-christmas-newcastle/essence-christmas-newcastle 14-17 November 2019 Living North Christmas Fair, York Racecourse Opening Hours: Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 10am–4pm, Saturday: 10am–5pm https://www.livingnorth.com/northeast/events/essence-christmas-york/essence-christmas-york 21-24 November 2019 Ripley Castle Christmas Fair, Ripley Castle, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3AY Opening hours:9.30am-5 weekdays, 9.30am-5.30pm Saturday, 9.30-4pm Sunday http://www.ukgrandsales.co.uk/The-Christmas-Fair-at-Ripley-Castle.aspx?id=43 30 November 2019 Middleton Mart Christmas Fair, Middleton-in-Teesdale Farmers Market, Station Road, Co Durham DL12 0PG Opening hours: 10am - 2pm, followed by the Christmas Lights switch on.  After an amazing summer we go into Autumn with visits to two County Shows here in beautiful County Durham. Starting at the beginning of the month with a show stand at the celebrated 240th Wolsingham Show, followed swiftly by a stand at the 178th Stanhope Show. I love a County Show and look forward to seeing you for fun packed weekends, pop along and say hello you can find me in the Shopping Marquees: Wolsingham Show Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September 2019 Wolsingham Show ground, Scotch Isle Park, Durham Road, Wolsingham, Bishop Aukland, Co Durham, DL13 3JG Gates open: Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 5pm Stanhope Show Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 September 2019 Unthank Park, Stanhope, Co Durham, DL13 2PQ Gates open: Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 5pm  |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2020
Categories |
RSS Feed
