This event is the culmination of a series of workshops held over recent weeks by Desperate Artwives. I was part of the third workshop last Saturday led by Katy Howe, and hosted by Platform 1 Gallery at Wandsworth Common Station. Really enjoyable and thoughtfully planned day.

I began the day thinking about control of space and objects in relation to family and the home. This came out later in a series of imaginary floorplans in which I stepped and invited others to step in. The floorplans will be recreated in a larger scale across the floor of the Gallery for the performances and activities that will be happening this Saturday.

Here are some snaps of my sewing workshops I taught at the recent Spring Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia. A good couple of days - thanks to workshop organiser Wendy, and to all my lovely participants. You all got really involved, and as the photos show went away with some really creative stuff.

Visit www.twistedthread.com to book tickets for all my textile workshops at the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia. All my projects introduce fun techniques and ideas that you can take forward and easily use for lots more sewing fun when you get home. Look forward to seeing you there ...

Machine Applique Pendants and Key Rings
Play with layering tiny scraps of fabric to make miniature appliques (fabric shapes on a
foundation piece of fabric). Add ribbon, buttons or beads and turn your favourite into a pretty pendant, a designer bag tag or an attractive key ring. A great project for leftovers and for perfecting your sewing machine skills.

Fri 15th March, 10.30am, 1 hour


Mosaic Applique a Picture or Cushion Cover
Mosaic applique uses fabric to mimic mosaic tile designs. Learn how to prepare recycled fabrics for making ‘tiles’, then build up your design. Fuse tiles to a background fabric to create your own striking mosaic picture or cushion cover front – your design can be pictorial or abstract, regular or irregular. And it’s a perfect technique to use up small scraps of fabric. You will then be shown how to mount your design as a picture or how to complete it at home as a cushion cover. Notes for completion and backing/cushion requirements will be provided.

Friday 15th March, 2pm-3.30pm


Weave recycled fabrics to create a colourful reverse applique
Learn a simple method to weave recycled and vintage fabric scraps to make a reconstructed 
fabric. Use Bondaweb to fuse your weaving behind a cut-out shape to create a colourful reverse applique. The result is perfect for framing, for a greetings card, or to personalise your own items such as shopping bags or cushion covers.

Friday 15th March at 3.45pm or Saturday 16th March at 10.30am


Machine Stitch a Baby Quilt Top
Using an uncomplicated and easy log-cabin patchwork method to create a beautiful baby quilt, you will learn to cut strips and piece them on a sewing machine to make the quilt top in an afternoon. You will then be shown how to add borders if required, wadding, backing and binding so that you can go home confidently capable of finishing your quilt. Notes for completion and backing/wadding fabric requirements will be provided.

Saturday 16th March, Half Day (3 hours), 1-4pm