WITH the New Year just around the corner many people are planning to make a resolution to find more ‘me’ time, to meet new people or to take up a new hobby.

The Sewing Shed in Ilkley is expanding its offer of classes in January to include hand sewing as the perfect solution for being mindful. There will be two classes aimed at teaching new skills in a nurturing environment where you can relax and enjoy the calm surroundings of the beautiful bespoke studio, in the converted North Chapel. The classes will be guided by local professional tutor and artist Helen Barnes, who is also a member of The Embroiderer’s Guild and The Quilters Guild.

Leonie Pratt owner of The Sewing Shed said: “We are delighted to welcome Helen to our team as she brings a wealth of experience to these crafts. I am increasingly hearing from students how The Sewing Shed becomes so important in their week giving them space and time to do something for themselves and meeting like-minded people, by introducing hand sewing we are extending our offer and making a new craft very accessible.”

From January 7 Hand Embroidery Classes will be held weekly on a Tuesday from 12.30-2.30pm and Hand Quilting & Hand Patchwork at 9.30am-11.30am.

Helen added: “The Embroidery group started a few weeks ago and we are looking to welcome new students to join the friendly mixed ability group learning new stitches and designs.”

Building on this strength Helen is launching the Hand Patchwork and Quilting classes. Each week a new skill will be presented from quilts from our own heritage and around the world. Work on your own projects or choose from a range of projects devised by Helen. English paper piecing will be explored, a very relaxing and mindful craft.

Helen has taught these classes across Yorkshire and is delighted to start a class in her hometown.

The Sewing Shed is situated off Ashlands Road in Ilkley.

For more info call Leonie 07525 029986 or visit www.thesewinghshed.co.uk