On Friday, October 11th, Hazlehurst Studios transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and sustainable practice with our Textile Takeover Day. This event marked the launch of a new programme of Textile Wellbeing Workshops, developed as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability in the arts, with support from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority. Our doors were open from 1-4 pm and again from 5-7 pm, welcoming everyone in the community to explore creative ways to upcycle, connect, and dive into the world of textile art.
Throughout the day, our resident artists led interactive sessions in upcycling, sashiko stitching, rag rugging, and indigo dyeing, showcasing accessible techniques that focus on using recycled materials and traditional crafts. Each activity was a chance for visitors to try something new, see the potential in everyday materials, and experience the calming effects of textile work.
Nick guided attendees through an upcycling workshop, inspiring new uses for old items and showing how creativity can breathe new life into objects. In the rag rugging session, Rachael shared how to create textured pieces from fabric scraps, a technique rooted in resourcefulness and creativity. For those interested in needlework, Courtney introduced sashiko, a Japanese embroidery style that reinforces fabrics with intricate, beautiful patterns. Meanwhile, Cathy’s indigo dyeing station filled the room with a deep blue hue, where attendees could witness the fascinating transformation of natural dye techniques.
One of the most exciting aspects of Textile Takeover Day was the opportunity for visitors to get a taster of our workshops and sign up for the upcoming textile wellbeing sessions on the spot. This approach was a huge success – within a week, 80% of the 12 upcoming workshops were booked, demonstrating the strong interest and enthusiasm from our community.
The day was beautifully documented by Lauren Quayle, capturing the spirit and creativity of the event. We’re also working on a second blog featuring illustrations by Toni Louise Carter, which will highlight some sustainability tips to inspire continued engagement with textile arts.
Textile Takeover Day wasn’t just about trying new crafts; it was a reflection of Hazlehurst Studios’ dedication to making a positive impact in our community. This event is part of our work to develop 71 High Street as a place where art, sustainability, and wellbeing intersect. With funding from Reconnecting Runcorn, we are focused on delivering these textile wellbeing workshops, providing a valuable opportunity for our community to engage with textile arts in the coming months.
There are still a few spaces left for the upcoming workshops, and an active waiting list is available. If you're interested, you can find more information and register through this link.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for dates and booking information for future textile workshops. Let’s create together, sustainably and mindfully!
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