In March 2023 we began our HomeMade project, funded by Arts Council England, with a series of HomeSpun workshops. We shared craft skills and learned new things like weaving, feltmaking and printing.
We wanted to explore crafts that have been forgotten, and those we remember from growing up.
How fabrics are made, repaired and reused, and the skills that people have passed down.
We talked, a lot! We shared stories of parents, grandparents, great grandparents and the things they made, repaired and remade. We remembered ancient treadle sewing machines, fabulous hand made garments, family heirlooms and lost traditions.
Crafts are a great way to feel better, start a conversation, meet new people, share stories and experiences.
In these fast paced, throwaway times, it means a lot to slow down, take time and care, connect with each other and with the things we can make together.
Repairing our textiles is an act of care. Repairing is optimistic, kind, positive. It means passing things on from our parents and grandparents to our children, neighbours, friends and community. Keeping our family histories alive through the skills and the objects that we value and treasure.
From March to November 2023 we ran 42 workshops with six different community groups, covering textiles skills including weaving, feltmaking, printing, dyeing and patchwork.
We also have a Homespun book in production, sharing all the ideas and work we made during the project.
MAKE GOOD ARTS 