About Nifty Needles
My passion for all things textile and fibre-related was ignited at a young age. I credit my mother, a professional dressmaker, for introducing me to the world of sewing and crafting when I was just eight years old. Her guidance extended to a wide array of crafts, from cross-stitch, embroidery, crochet, to knitting. This early exposure set the stage for a lifelong love affair with fibre arts. At the tender age of 14, I embarked on the art of spinning, mentored by an elderly family friend in New Zealand.
Craftsmanship and creativity have always played a vital role in my life. My family heritage, rooted in Holland, passed down these skills through generations of women. This rich tapestry of skills and traditions was instilled in me, leading to the creation of garments for myself and my children, and even finely tailored men’s suits.
Throughout my journey, I have garnered numerous accolades, with my work in spinning, knitting, doll-making, patchwork, and quilting winning recognition at Country Shows in Northern Ireland.
My background in Social Work has allowed me to merge my love for crafting with my commitment to aiding others. In New Zealand, I worked with adults with learning disabilities, teaching and supporting them in weaving, spinning, dyeing, and knitting, fostering their independence and creativity. Since relocating to Northern Ireland in 2005, I’ve continued this work, adapting my teaching to cater to varying skill levels and social needs.
Active participation in spinning guilds in New Zealand and Northern Ireland has been a hallmark of my commitment to the crafting community. I’ve shared my expertise with fellow enthusiasts through workshops at various Guilds in Northern Ireland. My dedication extends to tutoring at Council run venues, Craft Groups, Community Groups, and local Patchwork Guilds, where I’ve covered a spectrum of crafts, including knitting, quilting, patchwork, needlework, embroidery, crochet, and many other traditional techniques.
In 2020, I attained the TQUK Level 3 in Education and Training, further enhancing my ability to engage and instruct diverse audiences. My experience spans generations, allowing me to tailor workshops to accommodate the unique needs and interests of individuals, whether they are young, old, or living with a learning disability.
My name is Nancy Moreland and for more years than I can remember, crafts have always played a very important role in my life. It was always my dream to have a business where I could sell and teach crafts. I am a seasoned fibre artist and designer, with a creative journey spanning over five decades. My life revolves around crafting. I was taught to sew when I was about 7 years old by my mother who was a professional dressmaker. She also taught me to knit, crochet and do needle work. I grew up in a family of women who filled their time with hand crafts for both work and pleasure. I was taught to spin when I was in my early teens by an elderly family friend in New Zealand, where I was born and grew up.
My designs caught the attention of a well-known TV presenter from a national craft-selling channel, leading to an exciting opportunity to showcase my work as a guest designer. Appearing on live TV, I demonstrated my patterns and techniques, sharing my passion with a worldwide audience. Despite the initial nerves, the experience was exhilarating, and the response was overwhelming—my patterns sold out during each appearance. Being recognised as a serious designer in the craft world was a truly validating experience, and I look forward to continuing these TV appearances as time and commitments allow.
My teaching philosophy is firmly grounded in creating a friendly, relaxed, and informal atmosphere that promotes learning. I believe that when the learning environment is supportive and accommodating, it breaks down barriers and encourages active participation in the acquisition of new skills. Beyond workshops, I’ve delivered presentations and demonstrations at various events, including sheep shows, primary schools, museum open days, Women’s Institutes, and community groups. These experiences have also extended to facilitating workshops and sharing my design journey, showcasing my work to audiences in both Northern and Southern Ireland, and local Quilting Guilds.
My repertoire of workshops encompasses a wide range of techniques and crafts, from patchwork, sewing, and needlework to crochet, knitting, spinning and much more. I offer personalised instruction for groups of four or more, fostering an environment of learning that is both enjoyable and effective.
The workshops I offer serve as a tribute to the skills of bygone eras, ensuring that these timeless crafts are not forgotten and continue to be enjoyed and passed on to future generations.
We also create unique crafting notions that are not only practical but also stunning in their limited edition designs. Our commitment to marrying functionality and aesthetics extends to our other crafting products, including bags and pouches. These are designed and made with the same care and artistry that defines our entire range.