Who We are
The Origins and Activities of Shrewsbury Textiles and Creative Stitch (STACS)
How we began
In 2016 a group of friends who had previously been members of the Embroiderers’ Guild decided to broaden their sewing and textile horizons by starting a new group which they called ‘Shrewsbury Textiles and Creative Stitch’ (or STACS for short). This gave them the scope to invite a wealth and variety of exciting textile artists from around the UK to come and speak at our monthly meetings as well as also inviting speakers from a wide range of other groups, businesses, and societies including the likes of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company and Shrewsbury Flaxmill.
The group now has a wide and varied skill set amongst its members from those who are new to the world of textiles and stitch to those who are lifelong stitchers and makers.
Our range of work
The work of our members is creative and endless. Their extensive and imaginative hand stitching, machine stitching, and free motion machine stitching includes things like book covers, purses, pictures, stitched paper napkins, painted and sewn calico, kantha and boro quilting, beading, applique, and working with sari strips, to name but a few. Other creative work has included techniques such as foiling on velvet, batik, felting, and natural dyeing.
The display table
The display table at our monthly meetings is a place for all our members to display their either completed or in progress pieces of work for everyone to have a look at. These pieces are a testament not only to the creativity within the group but also the breadth of different skills.
Our monthly meetings
Looking to attend creative and inspiring textile meetings? STACS (Shrewsbury Textiles and Creative Stitch) hosts monthly gatherings from September to July, on the first Tuesday of each month between 7 pm and 9 pm (except August). Each meeting features a guest speaker who shares insights about their textile art or interests, providing a wonderful opportunity to learn and explore new ideas. Our July and December meetings are special social events where members and visitors can enjoy stitching together, chatting, and partaking in light refreshments—all provided by STACS.
Meetings are held at the Bayston Hill Methodist Centre, Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill, SY3 0HZ, and everyone is welcome, whether you’re interested in becoming a member or just visiting. Attendees are treated to complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits upon arrival, followed by engaging talks by talented textile artists as listed in our events calendar. Don’t forget our ever-popular raffle featuring textile-related items generously donated by members from their personal collections!
Join us for a friendly, creative evening and connect with others who share your passion for textiles and stitching.
Our meetings are held at the Bayston Hill Methodist Centre, Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill SY3 0HZ and everyone is welcome to join us either as a visitor or as a member. Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits are available on arrival followed by a talk from one of a variety of chosen textile artists as listed in our events calendar. There is also a very popular themed raffle, the prize being textile and stitch related items donated by our members from their own personal stash.