Culture, crafting, creativity.
My top five cultural, crafty and creative events happening this week in wee Norn Irn. Shirley-Anne McMillan - The Unknowns Thursday 22.03.18 - Waterstones, Bow Street Lisburn @ 7pm. Free to attend. Lisburn-born young person's author Shirley is back in her home town this Thursday to talk about and sign copies of her latest novel… Continue reading What’s On This Week: 19 – 25 March 2018
Hello, friends! I am so happy to be back after a busy old few months over in my other life as a wordsmith-for-hire at Quill Inc NI.It's great to return on such a positive note too, as I recently enjoyed the most gorgeous day in Belfast with my Mum, sister Polly and my Granny. Long-time… Continue reading Visiting Hours: UWS & Maryville House
I'm baaaaaaaaack!Yes, after a ridiculously long hiatus, I have picked up my beloved Patchwork Quill again. So where have I been, you ask?Well, I plunged headfirst back into the world of self employment mid-2015 with the launch of my content writing business, and early 2016 is when things really started to get busy.I had taken… Continue reading Introducing Sunday #sewingscope
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pamela Emerson, AKA The Crafty Historian. Fascinated by social history, and an experienced and talented crafter and teacher, Pamela is deeply passionate about Northern Ireland's creative industries and projects.She is involved in the fabulous Voluntary Arts / Voluntary Arts Ireland #loveto campaign, actively encouraging people to get involved… Continue reading Monday Makes: Sock it to ’em!
My six week journey from chaotic clutter to tidy tranquility, complete with tips and hacks for anyone desperate to learn how to declutter.
Welcome to 2016, Quillians! A brand new year - and a whole new set of blog awards to get excited about!The Patchwork Quill has entered two categories of the amazing UK Blog Awards - and you can help us win! There's a public vote to decide the finalists - and it is open NOW!If you… Continue reading Vote for me in the UK Blog Awards!
If you follow the PQ on social media, this is old news but... we won silver in the Arts & Culture category of the Blog Awards Ireland 2015! To say I am delighted is an understatement. I've engaged with the 'bloggies' since they launched in 2012, almost exactly a year after The Patchwork Quill did.I… Continue reading Bringing home silver from the brand new #bloggies!
The public realm regeneration in Lisburn's Market Square finally looks to be drawing to a close, much to the relief of retailers at the top of the town. Business owners have been vocal about the delay in completing the extensive building work, which has significantly restricted pedestrian access in the Square.Perhaps this is why the… Continue reading Thrifty Thursday: Budget boutique with artistic vision
This was my first ever visit to Buskfest, although the street-music festival is now in its 12th year, and it was clear to see from the outset why it has been going from strength to strength for so long.
On Sunday 31 May I visited not one, but two markets in Belfast. Both very different, but equal in quality, variety and pocket-friendliness!
The Patchwork Quill 