I met up with highly gifted textile artist and tutor, Melanie Missin (Keating) living here in Littleport, who has taken quilting, fabric dyeing and sewing to another level.
Melanie teaches at ‘Be Crafty’ in Ellington, and ‘Button Up and Stitch’ in Wisbech, and often gives talks for the WI. Melanie is also giving a two-day workshop in Kent and is due a visit to Romford Embroiderers Guild.
Her work is proving so popular that people are flocking to sign up for her extremely successful and fun workshops.
Melanie recently held a beginner’s patchwork 6-week course that started in January, and will be running one again soon. Another workshop on offer is ‘Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine’ one of which is scheduled for Monday 6th March at 6.30 pm.
Melanie’s Mellymade Designs shop is in Main Street.
Melanie told Littleport Life, “Last September me and my husband Adi bought the shop next door to where we live on the corner of the Main Street opposite the Bargain Centre which has certainly transformed my hobby into a welcome business which has always has been my ambition.
“I feel so privileged that I can now share the knowledge I learnt from my gifted mother who was an exceptional pictorial quilt maker with others.
Melanie’s best friend, Julie Parr, passed away from cancer last year.
“Julie was always there for me giving me encouragement whenever I needed it.”
“Julie always loved everything that I created and produced, and she would often come to one of my workshops which was quite an honour for me. So, I decided that in her honour I would hold a ‘Julie Parr Day’ on Friday 31st March. All eight places available are taken up, but I am already planning to hold another ‘Julie Parr Day’ later in the year.
“And on that special day, in Julie’s memory, we are going to be making small quilts for terminally ill children with cancer, and I will personally be delivering them to Addenbrooke’s Hospital which I know Julie would totally approve of,” concluded Melanie.
Everyone is welcome to go along to ‘Melly’s Sewcial Day’ which is held every Thursday morning from 10 am to 3pm where you can get creative at just £5.00 a session. You can also find out more, and how to get involved, by checking out Melainie Missin’s website: www.mellymadedesigns.com or email her: mellymadedesigns@gmail.com