Wednesday 21st & Thursday 22nd March

Are you a complete novice with your sewing machine only using your machine for seams and joining techniques? If so, this is for you! Explore a variety of techniques such as shadow and reverse applique, machine quilting, bobbin work, circle stitching, eyelets and 3D sculpting to name just a few. Discover or extend your machine-sewing potential and try out new techniques with step-by-step guidance. Combining your chosen techniques you could create a panel for a wall hanging, a bag or simply create a sample book as a reminder to look back on. Plenty to inspire you, with handouts and guidance throughout. 

Thursday 19th & Friday 20th April

Batik is an ancient technique originating in Indonesia, it is the use of hot wax as a resist on textiles. During the first day you will have a chance to play and develop your skills with the tjanting tool, with printing designs and repeating patterns, layering with wax as a resist and colour mixing. This will be suitable for complete beginners and for those who wish to develop their batik knowledge. At the end of the day we will have several samples on cotton. On day two, we will be making a silk or cotton scarf in batik. You may however wish to work on an end product of your own choosing. I will have scarves available to buy, however, please feel free to bring along your own scarf or any other fabrics you would like to work on. Price includes £10 charge for silk paints.

Tuesday 1st & Wednesday 2nd May

Felt making is a versatile process which allows wool fibres to combine with other non-felting fibres and fabrics to produce unusual effects. Use different techniques to create interesting surfaces on the felt, luxurious lustre with silk or chunky texture with jute or flax. Build up layers within the felt to add depth and richness to the surface. Fabrics created in this way are suitable for decorative or functional surfaces.

Tuesday 15th May

Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th June

The way we see the landscape of our “patchwork” planet can be as a complex series of marks. Looking at a familiar scene, as if from an aeroplane, or a view from ‘Google’ Earth or even on a map, it becomes a mass of varied shapes, textures and patterns. In this workshop I want you to look at your own territory in this way, experimenting with mark making, using many different techniques, to explore the varied qualities of your chosen view. Using paint, print and stitch we will gradually piece together the essence of your landscape.

Wednesday 22nd August

See 15th May for details

Monday 17th & Tuesday 18th September

During this fabric and stitch-based workshop we shall construct a fabric with a variety of textiles and include pattern, stitch, texture and embellishment. Those taking part will be encouraged to make unexpected combinations of fabric and stitch using their personal sources of inspiration. The emphasis will be on creating a tactile and unique fabric that has a story of its own.

Thursday 25th & Friday 26th October

Use forest animals, birds, trees and flowers as an inspirational starting point to make unique textile collages which might incorporate old quilt pieces, tweed and tiny scraps of fabric. Learn how to use slow and traditional hand sewing techniques such as applique, piecing and stitch in a new way to make unique textile narratives on a forest theme. Share Mandy's passion for upcycling old textiles and garments, dip into her selection of pieces, add bits of your own favourite fabrics to recycle and create your masterpiece.

Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th November

During the two days you will learn the traditional techniques of silk shading with goldwork combined into a medieval design from medieval illuminated manuscripts. The design will incorporate traditional couching, leather work and purl work, using traditional colours of gold, blue and red.