"Around the Table" Embroidery Workshops

Exploring stitching stories and everyday objects.

Join us for a unique two-part textile workshop series where we'll explore the hidden stories and personal meanings behind the everyday objects that gather "around the table" in our homes. This series is designed to be a gentle and creative journey for anyone looking to connect with textiles in a meaningful way.
Some stitch experience would be an advantage but is not vital.
All materials will be provided and it is necessary to attend both workshops.

Workshop 1: Objects & Meanings – Tuesday, 22nd July (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
In our first session, we'll dive into the heart of what makes an object special. Please bring along an everyday object associated with your table and/or home that holds personal meaning for you. This could be anything from a beloved mug, a handed down vase, a well-used serving spoon or even a worn old cushion!
We'll begin by exploring the significance to these objects and delve into what your chosen item means to you. Through a fun "speed date" type exercise we’ll discover its potential meaning to others in the group, sparking new ideas, connections and inspiration.
After a relaxing tea break and chat, you'll be introduced to some core hand-stitching techniques essential for our "around the table" project. You'll learn how these basic stitches can be both decorative and functional for joining fabrics. We'll also learn raw-edge appliqué, a simple yet fantastic technique for attaching new and interesting fabric shapes to our developing textile pieces.

Workshop 2: Fabric & Form – Tuesday, 29th July (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Welcome back for our second session! We'll kick off with a recap of the inspiring ideas that emerged from our "speed date" exercise last week, and you'll have a chance to share any new thoughts or materials you've gathered since.
This is where your chosen object truly comes to life in fabric! We'll explore a wonderful array of scrap textiles, considering how different fabrics, colours, textures, and threads can represent your everyday object and its unique story. You'll experiment with layering and playing with these elements to build your own small story cloth.
Using the beautiful indigo-dyed tablecloths as our foundation, the remainder of the workshop will be dedicated to mindfully stitching your individual fabric pieces together. These finished textile creations will then be attached to the tablecloth at a later date, becoming a collective art piece that celebrates our shared and personal histories around the table.
These workshops will form part of 'Gather Round' - a textile project to create a reusable 3m x 8m tablecloth which the community can gather round for events, exploring how we come together and connect with one another.

Also check out other Workshops in Cork, Arts events in Cork, Nonprofit events in Cork.