Workshops

Calm & Create: Thursday 6th November – 1.30pm – 4pm – Ashbourne Library Join me for a relaxed session at the local library, a peaceful space for those who enjoy a slower, more reflective way of making. As part of the Stitching Ashbourne project, participants will explore simple textile techniques and create a piece to add to the larger community artwork. It’s a lovely opportunity to pause, stitch, and connect, with creativity, with others, and with Ashbourne itself. Book: here.

Craft & Chat: Monday 10^th November – 2pm – 4pm – St Oswald’s Church Hall Join us for a relaxed, sociable afternoon of stitching, conversation, and creativity. In this facilitated session, you’ll have the chance to design and stitch your own square to add to the artwork whilst enjoying a chat and a cuppa provided by Ashbourne Methodist Craft & Chat Group. Materials are provided, and no sewing experience is needed. Book here

Sip & Stitch: Thursday 13th November – 6.30pm -8.30pm – House of Beer Ashbourne Unwind with a drink in hand and get creative! Hosted in the gorgeous, cosy surroundings of House of Beer — Ashbourne’s welcoming bottle shop and tap room with German, Belgian and local beers on offer (plus ciders, gin and wine) – try your hand at stitching an appliqué square to add to the artwork and enjoy a sociable evening of creativity. Materials are provided, and no sewing experience is needed. Book: here.

QEGS School Workshop: Tuesday 4th November & Tuesday 18th November Students will explore what they love most about Ashbourne, sharing their ideas and transforming them into appliqué and embroidered squares. The workshop will give pupils the chance to experiment creatively, learn new textile skills, and reflect on their connection to the town. Private workshop.

Threads of Welcome – Ukrainian & Refugee Community Session: Sunday 16th November – 11am- 1pm – Sticky Fingers Threads of Welcome invites members of the Ukrainian and refugee community to come together, share their experiences, and contribute to the Stitching Ashbourne project. Participants will create appliqué and embroidered pieces reflecting their journey and their connection to Ashbourne, helping to make our collaborative artwork even more vibrant and inclusive. A welcoming, friendly session celebrating creativity, storytelling, and the important role everyone plays in our community. Book: here.

Central Panel Sewing Circle: Sunday 16th November – 1.30pm- 3.30pm – Sticky Fingers Join us for a special Stitching Ashbourne workshop focused on creating the central panel of our large-scale community textile artwork. This focal piece celebrates Ashbourne’s iconic buildings and cultural events, as chosen by the community.

This is a wonderful opportunity to add your stitches to the heart of the project. Some stitching experience will be helpful, we’ll be using basic stitches such as running, blanket, chain, stem, and hand-turned appliqué, but full guidance and support will be provided in this fully facilitated session. With a small group (maximum 10 participants), the session will be relaxed and friendly, offering a cosy creative atmosphere. Come along, enjoy a calm and welcoming space, and help bring the centerpiece of Stitching Ashbourne to life! Please note: access is via a flight of stairs. Book: here.

Drop-off & Stitch Social: Wednesday 19th November – 10.30am to 12 noon
Ashbourne Town Hall Join us for a relaxed and sociable morning as part of the Stitching Ashbourne Project. This drop-in session is for participants to drop off completed squares, finish stitching their piece, and see the progress of the overall artwork. It’s also a lovely chance to catch up with others involved in the project, share stories, and enjoy a cuppa together.

Booking isn’t essential, but it’s appreciated so we can plan refreshments and make sure there’s plenty of tea, coffee, and biscuits to go around! Book: here.

Final Stitches – Last Chance to Add Your Square: Wednesday 19th November 12.30pm – 2pm – Ashbourne Town Hall Don’t miss your last chance to add a square to the Stitching Ashbourne project! This workshop invites people of all ages to take part in the Stitching Ashbourne project and celebrate everything that makes Ashbourne special. In this relaxed, facilitated session, you can create your own appliqué and embroidered square to be included in our large-scale community artwork. All materials are provided, and no sewing experience is needed. Just bring your creativity and enthusiasm. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Join us for a friendly, community-focused session celebrating stories, creativity, and the shared spirit that makes Ashbourne unique. This session will be led by Alice Duckworth. Book: here.

Ashbourne U3A Workshop: Friday 21st November This private workshop offers members of the U3A group a chance to explore appliqué and embroidery techniques while contributing a unique square to the larger collaborative artwork. A friendly, welcoming session focused on creativity, skill-sharing, and connecting with the community through textile art. Private Workshop.

Final Central Panel Sewing Circle: Monday 8th December – 10.30am – 2pm – Betty’s Sewing Box Don’t miss the last Stitching Ashbourne workshop in the creating phase — a special opportunity for the community to come together and add the final stitches to the central panel of our large-scale artwork. Suitable for those with stitching experience, we’ll be focusing on finishing the buildings and adding them to the panel.

With a small group of up to 8 participants, this relaxed and friendly session is a chance to work as a team, share skills, and enjoy the creative process. The workshop includes a lunch break in the beautiful vintage tearoom, where a variety of delicious lunch options will be available to purchase. A chance to connect, chat, and celebrate this stage of the project. Book: Here.

Workshops for construction and the central panel will be held at Betty’s Sewing Box in February 2026... more details soon!