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Sara Drinkwater

Holly Edwards

Hello and welcome to the March edition of The Textile Directory newsletter. We’ve had a busy time this month, with trips to The Project Group in Oswestry and a Play Day at VSM in Redditch, where we had the opportunity to try out some of their sewing and embellisher machines. You can read about both outings below.

We also have news of some great workshops run by devoré artist Dionne Swift, who has kindly provided this month’s giveaway. Please read on for details of how to enter.

As always if you have any news or views that you want to share with us you can do so at the usual address, admin@thetextiledirectory.com or by calling us on 01386 760406. We would love to hear from you!

Best wishes Sara and Holly

Participants enjoying one of The Project Group Workshops. Photographs taken by Chris Smart

The Project Group

Last month Craftspace and VSM held a series of workshops at The Project Group to help teach members new skills. Led by textile artist Karina Thompson and supported by the VSM education staff, the group were experimenting with Pfaff sewing and embellisher machines, developing their skills with the ultimate objective of producing a small range of items to sell. VSM and Craftspace have received an investment from A&B to develop their creative partnership. The A&B Investment Programme is funded by Arts Council England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Scottish Executive.

The Project Group is an arts-based, not-for-profit community business that provides a creative environment for individuals who have experience of mental distress. It was started by Jo Davis 15 years ago as part of the health service. All members are now referred to Jo from mental health services across Shropshire and South Staffordshire. There are currently 35-40 members, who work together on various projects and commissions for the community.

Jo says, “Some of members only stay with us for a short time while they are getting back on their feet, while others are with us for much longer. We have had some members who have gone on to become staff here, while others go on to art school and a few are now professional makers.”

Approximately 15 members of The Project Group were chosen to take part in Karina’s workshops, which took place over four days. I had the fantastic opportunity of visiting The Project Group last month to see first-hand some of the great work that they are producing. Karina told me, “My aim has been to introduce people with a range of pre-existing skills to stitching and the embellisher machine, with a view to developing their ideas.” Karina has taught in colleges and a few different day schools, but has particularly enjoyed this project. She says, “What’s nice about this project is that people haven’t got any assumptions about what you can do with the machines. They aren’t fixed on doing things in a specific way.”

The workshops have been very well received by all who took part. Kevin Gibson, a member of The Project Group, explained “I hadn’t even used a sewing machine before these workshops. It’s a great way to learn new skills and now we can use these to get inspiration for our final products.” We will bring you more news of the final products the group make in a future edition of the newsletter.

For more information about the sewing machine project please visit www.craftspace.co.uk

Some examples of Dionne's work

Devoré and Stitch Workshops with Dionne Swift

Dionne Swift makes devoré images inspired by the moors and valleys in Yorkshire, using devoré processes on velvet to explore the changing structural qualities in the landscape. She also dyes and hand-paints the cloth, over-painting and employing dye reduction techniques to give the notion of depth. Dionne offers specialist devoré and stitch workshops for all levels of ability from her studio in Huddersfield, details of which can be found below.

Exploring The Bias - 7 June 2008

In this workshop you will explore the different options created by working with the bias of the fabric, rather than its warp and weft. By using the bias of the fabric it will twist, turn and stretch in different ways, and Dionne will teach you processes to take advantage of this. To book a place on this workshop please click here. The workshop takes place from 10-3.30 and places cost £50.

Exploring Devoré – 8 November 2008

This workshop guides you through the complex processes of devoré and is the perfect platform for further investigations into the technique. You will create samples and develop ideas ready to progress onto a larger piece of work. To book a place on this workshop please click here. The workshop takes place from 10-3.30 and places cost £50.

For those of you who prefer trying things out for yourselves, Dionne has produced a fantastic DIY Devoré It Yourself Kit, containing everything you need to make a beautiful devoré velvet scarf or wall hanging. Dionne says, “This kit is great for people who would like to attend a workshop but live too far away. They can get a great taste of devoré from this.” If you would like to buy a kit and see instructions of how to use it please click here.

If you would like more information about Dionne please visit www.dionneswift.co.uk or email info@dionneswift.co.uk

Diary Dates

For more information about any of the events listed please click here.