A Wise Woman’s Story Pocket

Join me, for a special two-day workshop at Nicki Franklin’s gorgeous studio The Stitchery, to celebrate the launch of my second book ‘Life Stories’ published by Batsford Books. We’ll be drawing on the inspiration of ‘The Wise Woman’ to create a hand stitched decorative story pocket celebrating women of a certain age and all they bring to the world!

I wanted to create something a little bit special to celebrate my book launch, so I’ve been diving into my basket of deliciously tattered antique Japanese fabrics that I brought home from The Asia Gallery in New Zealand about seven years ago. They’ve been waiting patiently for the just right project! When I asked myself, what materials would help tell the Wise Woman’s story, these beautiful fabrics immediately came to mind – worn, torn and all the more beautiful for that, they’re certainly imbued with story!!

I’ll provide a kit of everything you need to make your pocket, but of course you may also wish to add some of your own bits & pieces. Our colour story will mainly be blues, indigos and creams – perfect for the wise woman, The colour indigo relates to truth, integrity loyalty and of course wisdom. I’ll work with you to create your own design and will provide templates that you can choose to use (or not) in your own way. All the ingredients will be there for you to play with in order to create something that is truly personal.

’I’ll gently lead you through my making process of gathering and playing with materials and then using words, motifs and simple hand stitching to create work that has story at its heart.

You’ll start by responding to your fabric. Your pocket front may be worn, patched or even have a few holes in it. It may need patched, mended or strengthened – don’t we all at some point in our lives? A Wise Woman has experienced ups and downs – she’s been hurt and torn and has had to ‘mend’ herself along the way. Some of her mends will be visible, some will be hidden but all will have added to her experience, strength and resilience. I’ve deliberately chosen this old, battered fabric because it speaks of the Wise Woman’s story but if you like pristine and perfect, I’m sorry but this isn’t really the workshop for you.

Depending on the amount of stitching that you wish to add (and I add A LOT), you may not have time to assemble your pocket during our two days, but I will show you how and give you everything you need to finish it off at home.

Your end-result will be a beautiful scrappy, decorative story pocket that will look great hanging from a hook or displayed on the wall. I like to think of these as being a kind of talisman, a symbol of hope and a reminder to be yourself and allow your own unique magic to shine!

Refreshments are provided throughout the day.

Please bring your own packed lunch.