Making is connecting

I've recently been reading a book called 'Making is Connecting' by David Gauntlet. It's a fascinating piece of research as the title aptly says about how making things with your hands connects you to yourself, other people and ultimately the world and opens up positive transformative possibilities! It's right up my street...

Meet the inspirational Lina and Linda. Lina lent me 'Making is Connecting' to read, she thought I'd appreciate the research behind it. She subsequently brought Linda round to meet me as Linda is a very interesting lady and an experienced knitter, she has been knitting most of her life. Recently her expertise has been sought and features in a number of knitting books including Susan Crawford's 'A stitch in time'  and Laren O'Farrell's 'Knit the City'.

Meet the talented film maker Adeline Royal, who brought Lina round to Fabrications so we could meet each other. I first met Adeline while she was making a film about knitting. She wanted to interview me about about running Fabrications and my thoughts on knitting, hand made, the British wool industry and my observations of the benefits that knitting can have on people that take up the craft.

The film took Adeline on quite a journey, she met and interviewed a number of notable people from the knitting / current UK craft industry including Katy Bevan from the Crafts Council, Professor and writer Sandy Black, a representative from the British wool marketing board, Lauren O'Farrell, initiator of London largest knitting group 'Stitch London' and Lina and Linda who you've already been introduced to and who run a community knitting group at the Barbican library every Monday 11am - 4pm

Anyway the aim of this post wasn't to produce a long line of name dropping but to show how Adeline's journey in making her film and beyond really demonstrates how the power of making can really activate and connect people! See her film about Knitting, connecting and sustainability on her Vimeo page HERE

This is another film that Adeline has created, a short promotional film all about the different strands that make up Fabrications, including how much we value making and believe in the 'transformative powers' it can bring, so we are a hive of industry in passing on textile skills and our beliefs values to others. I hope you enjoy it!

The Barbican goes Downtown

This week Barbican Art Gallery new show presents Laurie Anderson, Trisha Brown, Gordon Matta-Clark: Pioneers of the Downtown Scene, New York 1970s.

Performance artist and musician Laurie Anderson, choreographer Trisha Brown and artist Gordon Matta-Clark were friends and active participants in the New York art community, working fluidly between visual art and performance.

With the city as their backdrop, canvas, stage and inspiration, this exhibition is the first major presentation to examine the experimental and often daring approaches taken by these three key figures, both individually and collectively, in the burgeoning arts scene in downtown New York during the 1970s.

And now for my personal plug to pop into the gallery shop while you're there, You will find the full range of my 'Rethink Rubbish' craft kits and a selection of upcycled woven bicycle innertube cushions amonst other exhibition complimenting delights sourced by Andrea Toon, the shop's buyer.

WORKSHOPS - March, April + May

DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT Come and join Barley Massey and Sue Russell at The Barbican on Saturday 7th March

11 - 12.30pm Make felt juggling balls

3 - 4.30pm Learn to weave on simple bamboo frames

£5 per workshop for further info and bookings visit www.barbican.org.uk/different

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Incase you missed Barley and Sue on the Saturday! Remember and celebrate women's achievements at The Old Town Hall, Stratford E15 4BQ on Sunday 8th March 2 - 6pm There will be lots of FREE activities.

We will be Creating rosettes, scarves, sashes in the colours of Green (Hope), White (Purity) + Violet (Dignity) These colours were also linked with the Suffrage movement (Give Women Vote)

WORKSHOPS AT FABRICATIONS: (£20 / £15 conc per session, includes a kit) * * BOOKING REQUIRED * *

BEGINNERS KNITTING

Sunday 15th + 29th March, 2 - 4.30pm

Getting started with Barley Massey - Learn how to Cast On, Knit + Pearl Stitch, introducing a new colour and of course casting off!

INTERMEDIATE + ADVANCED KNITTING

Sunday 5th April, 2 - 4.30pm

This classes led by Rachael Matthews is tailored to what YOU want to learn! She will also incorporate info on how to read knitting patterns, shaping, increasing + decreasing, creating your own patterns, textures, 3d knitting as well as general support, advice and tips. You will need to know the basics (casting on + off, Knit + pearl) in order to make the most of this session.

CROCHET (Beginners + Improvers)
Sunday 19th April, 2 - 4.30pm

Get started, refresh or improve your techniques. Learn to crochet in rows, circular or 3d objects. All levels of crocheters are welcome. Rachael Matthews' straightforward, fun and freestyle approach will get you started
and inspired.

BEGINNERS KNITTING
Sunday 26th April, 2 - 4.30pm

Getting started with Barley Massey - Learn how to Cast On, Knit + Pearl Stitch, introducing a new colour and of course casting off!

BIG KNITTING (intermediate+)
Sunday 3rd May, 2 - 4.30pm

Leave Fabrications with your very own designer accessory
(this could be a scarf or wrap - your choice!)
This creative session will be led by Barley Massey and focusses on working on GIANT knitting needles, GIANT french knitting stools
and yes GIANT circular needles.
There will be lots of interesting chunky yarns, tassles, corsage making tool etc to design and create with.

INTERMEDIATE + ADVANCED KNITTING (best foot forward)
Sunday 10th May, 2 - 4.30pm

There has been a lot of interest expressed in learning to knit socks + gloves. If this interest is still around then this could be a special session that focusses on working on 4 needles to create leg warmers, socks,
gloves or other 3d knitted objects (with Rachael Matthews)

HAND EMBROIDERY, EMBELLISHING + CUSTOMISING
Sunday 17th May, 2 - 4.30pm

Learn simple hand sewing techniques, which can be used for repairs, alterations and decoratively. I am open to ideas for the session - I can demonstrate different embroidery stitches, cross stitching + tapestry, applique, sequining, cut work.
Applied to garments or making pictures and gifts.

CROCHET (Beginners + Improvers)
Sunday 24th May, 2 - 4.30pm

Get started, refresh or improve your techniques. Learn to crochet in rows, circular or 3d objects. All levels of crocheters are welcome. Rachael Matthews' straightforward, fun and freestyle approach will get you started
and inspired.

BEGINNERS KNITTING
Sunday 31st May, 2 - 4.30pm

Getting started with Barley Massey - Learn how to Cast On, Knit + Pearl Stitch, introducing a new colour and of course casting off!