I believe that everyone, at whatever age, can benefit from open-ended creative projects and hobbies, where they can express themselves and enjoy creating purely for pleasure, with no other end goal.
Rather than 'teach' specific skills like crochet or sewing, I hope to encourage and facilitate textile art projects in a nurturing and flexible way. Fibrefolk is a space where children and adults can relax, explore, create and feel at home.
Many people also find that making things with their hands is a good way to still the mind and find inner calm, and the tactile qualities of fabric can enhance this.
No! Everything you need will be demonstrated at the workshop and we'll learn as we go. Basic hand stitching skills are certainly helpful for some workshops, but the projects are designed to require only simple hand sewing skills, and it's fine if you don't have those. We won't be using sewing machines.
No! Everything is provided, and there's a treasure trove of fabrics and yarns to choose from in the studio. The only exception is the visible mending workshop, where you can bring a garment from home to work on (all other materials provided).
If you are getting rid of any fabric or yarn, I'm always grateful for donations. These will help me to continue to offer free textile art sessions for people who need them.
We'll settle into the attic studio and tackle a short, fun project that can be finished during the session, or taken away and completed at home. No particular skills are needed, although it will help if you can do basic stitching for some workshops. No problem if not -- it might just take a little longer.
You can choose materials from the extensive haberdashery to make every project truly their own. We'll sit round a big table and work on them together, or just find a comfy spot on the sofa.
You'll come home with instructions to make more at home -- and maybe even a new hobby!
If your child is younger than 9, but reasonably competent at craft projects and able to listen to instructions, that's no problem! Or if they are older and would like to come along, that's no problem either. There isn't a strict age requirement, it's just that the projects in kids' workshops are aimed at children aged 9–12.
Absolutely. A fabric art workshop would be great for a child's party or a get-together with friends. Just drop me a line at fibrefolk.uk@gmail.com and we can discuss what you'd like.
I am a freelance editor and writer, keen textile artist and lifetime lover of crafting of all kinds. I have two children who also enjoy making and creating in different ways. I have run after school clubs in the past, and volunteered at The Ministry of Stories, where I also helped foster creativity in children.
I am a qualified first aider and have an enhanced DBS check. I am a member of the Out of School Alliance, a membership organisation for providers of after school and holiday clubs for children.