The sewing is mostly traditional Bengali kantha embroidery. This is a running stitch that quilts layers of thin fabric with pictures and patterns, built-up by the rhythm of the stitch. I hope to get in on the act, and make a square. Maybe a pumpkin or a squirrel... Sitting with the women reminds me of being at school, on the back row desks with the giggling girls. Much gossiping. These women do let-it-all-out- give-me-the-juicy-details gossiping. Just what I need. Sewing, chatting and tea on a Thursday afternoon.
This is a sewing project between Friends of Arnold Circus (FOAC) and the ladies at St Hilda's East Community Centre. They are making a banner of Arnold Circus and the Boundary Estate in East London, to be displayed at FOAC events and around the local community. And they really do have a community, which is a treasured thing in big city.
Mary Spyrou, who was leading the workshop, brought along some traditional examples of Kantha embroidery. I'll post more detailed photos on my flickr page later today.
5 comments:
Lucky you, to attend such a workshop!!
I wish I could go :))
~that looks fabulous...
especially tghe part of the gossiping and stuff ;)
i am in love with this stuff
Stunning.
looks like a creative time was had by all. The work looks great.
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