Workshop Announcement: Introduction to the art of slow stitching

I’m super excited to share that I’m running a short series of workshops in June and July sharing the art of slow stitching.

The mindful art of slow stitching has increasingly become a regular part of my textile praxis over recent years. For me it has been a private, explorative process, focusing on process rather than outcome. As a self-confessed perfectionist, addicted to the daily hustle, outcomes and productivity, it has challenged me to view my textiles work through a new lens. Guided by the Japanese philosophy of ‘Wabi-Sabi’ my slow stitching practice is focused on searching for beauty in imperfection, embracing impermanence whilst revelling in slowness and process. Slow stitching is now an activity I reach for on a daily basis, it slows my mind, soothes my need to create when I have only minutes for textiles practice (because let’s face it life is busy!) and as it turns out has resulted in beautiful miniature pieces of textiles art that are full of meaning. So now I’d love to share this beautiful form of textile creation with others.

I’ve seen first-hand through the various community textiles projects I have facilitated that hand stitching has the ability to heal, sooth and provide an outlet for people to express themselves; even when they don’t consider themselves creative. It requires simple skills, which can easily be picked up, limited materials and equipment and takes up barely any space. So why don’t you join me? Classes will be small and sociable with all materials and equipment provided. Plus, there’ll be refreshments of tea, coffee and biscuits… well you can’t be creative without sustenance!

Drawing on traditional hand sewing textile practices from around the world I’ll guide participants through the process of repurposing unwanted and discarded textile fragments, utilising the most basic of hand sewing stitches, to create beautiful pieces of textiles art to treasure and share.

Slow Stitching Workshop: Textile Collage Bag

Friday 7th & 14th July: Brailsford Methodist Church 9.30am – 1pm

Join me to discover the art of slow stitching and create your very own beautiful textile drawstring bag. This larger project runs over two sessions. The first workshop will focus on exploring composition and the basics of slow stitching, the second on bag construction and potential variations.

£50 includes all materials and equipment.

This series of classes can be booked as a course package for the discounted rate of £60.

No needlework experience is necessary for any of the classes, I’ll be on hand to guide you through the simple stitches and processes to help you create beautiful and meaningful pieces of textile art. We’ll be using reclaimed, recycled and vintage fabrics from my collection of textiles amassed from across the world (doesn’t everyone buy fabric when they travel?). But I encourage participants to bring along scraps of fabrics that are special to them to incorporate into their work or use as inspiration.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL.  To book or for more information please contact me on Laura_Burrill@outlook.com