Slow Stitching: Folk Tales & Story Stitches

Immerse yourself in a full day of creative exploration, working with naturally dyed fabrics and mindful slow-stitching techniques to create your own unique textile artwork. Learn how natural dyes are made, uncover their origins, and enjoy the folk tales and traditions woven into their history.

Guided by an experienced textile artist, you’ll experiment with colour, texture, and hand-stitching while connecting with the calming rhythm of making by hand. Leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a beautifully crafted piece that reflects your personal journey through colour and cloth.

Slow Stitching Workshop Programme
10:00am – 4:00pm

10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome and Introduction
Arrive, sign in, and settle into the space. We will begin with a gentle introduction to the day, including an overview of slow stitching and its connection to mindfulness, intention, and enjoying the process rather than aiming for perfection. You will also be introduced to the materials and sources of inspiration you will be using.

10:30 – 11:15 | Natural Dyes – Stories and Samples
Discover the natural dyes used in the fabrics provided. This session includes stories, folk traditions, cultural symbolism, and the meanings behind different colours. You will have time to explore sample fabrics, inspiration boards, and sketches, and to handle the materials at your own pace.

11:15 – 12:30 | Getting Started – Designing Your Piece
With gentle guidance, you will choose a colour palette and theme for your work. Simple composition ideas and basic slow stitching techniques will be demonstrated before you begin hand-stitching your own piece.

12:30 – 1:15 | Lunch Break
Take time to rest, enjoy a walk by the lakeside, or continue stitching quietly if you wish.

1:15 – 2:30 | Deepening Your Practice
This session offers one-to-one support and optional demonstrations, including texture stitching, layering, visible mending styles, and creative appliqué. The focus is on mindful making and finding a comfortable creative rhythm.

2:30 – 3:30 | Story Stitches – Reflective Making
A calm, guided stitching session with optional discussion prompts around favourite colours, personal meaning, and stories held within textiles. You will also be encouraged to draw inspiration from the surrounding lakeside landscape.

3:30 – 4:00 | Sharing and Closing Circle
An opportunity to share your work, thoughts, or discoveries if you would like. The day will close with tips for continuing slow stitching at home and a gentle reflection on the workshop.

What’s Included

• Naturally dyed fabric pieces

• Embroidery threads and needles

• A small selection of natural dye samples

• Sketch paper, pencils, and inspiration prompts

• Hoops

• Stitch and story reference sheets

All materials are provided – just bring yourself and a willingness to slow down and stitch mindfully.