Make and Mend - Textile Workshop

We are preparing the space, and it boasts some impressive features, including its location in the communal garden and a wealth of amazing resources. Our focus will be textiles and sustainable practices, repair, and revive. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsorship and donations from Mace, Structure Tone, Specialist Lighting, Arena Electrical, Sale Mechanical, and Winters Electrical, helping us bring this vision to life. Their support has been instrumental in fitting out the space with all the necessary equipment and materials to make it a welcoming and inspiring environment for our community. A big thank you to Richard Walker, our Chair, without whom this project would not have been possible. Also, thanks to Singer who has donated 2 sewing machines.
To celebrate the start of our new adventure, we are offering some exciting taster classes at a special price of just £20 per workshop.
We are inviting you to join us and help us inaugurate the space while providing valuable feedback. Feel free to book as many as you like, bring along friends, and capacity for 8 makers. All welcome. The official opening of the space is on 6th July and a crowdfunding appeal to launch a full programme of activities in the year ahead.
Our regular tutors will be teaching these classes, and they are experts in their field.
A selection of dates and times to try out:
• Felting: Learn to felt a small animal, keyring or broach using sheep wool – making your armature to create a cute creature or decoration.
DATE and TIME: Thur 23rd May 6.30 – 9pm
• Kanzashi Flowers: If you are a zero-waster crafter, then this one is for you: Learn how to make a Kanzashi flower. She will show you the Japanese technique of folding upcycled fabrics to create a flower which can then be a broach or clip. We have all the fixings and treasures to adorn your flower. We are hoping Mo can join us, who has set up a Kanzashi enterprise for Art4Space and sells in our shop for purposeful profits to fund our crafternoons.
DATE and TIME: Thur 30th May 6.30 - 9pm
• Bling an item of clothing: Why not bring your cycle tabard or favourite Jeans Jacket or a treasured piece that you want to customise with embroidery and adornment? Applique techniques are shown. A huge range of treasures for you.
DATE and TIME: Thurs 6th June 6.30 - 9pm
• Doodle stitching: Begin by learning several styles for outlining, filling, decorating and applique. Find out about floss, fancy threads, fabrics and needles
DATE and TIME: Thur 13th June 6.30 – 9pm
• Vintage Quilted Purse: My dear friend recently donated lots of beautiful vintage fabrics, every patchwork purse design is a limited edition – unique! Learn how to sew in a zip using a sewing machine.
DATE and TIME: Thurs 20th June 6.30 – 9pm
• Mending clothing: Including Boro – Japanese-inspired mending—hand sewing repairs.
DATE and TIME: Thurs 27th June 6.30 – 9pm

Knowledge required

You don't need any previous sewing experience!

What you'll get

• Materials to complete a finished piece; we have a treasure trove of our fabrics to choose from!
• Nibbles, tea, and coffee.

What to bring

If you have a special fabric you want in your piece, please bring it along!

Host or Publisher Art4Space