9:10am Tuesday 24th August 2010
A string of gaily-patterned bunting adorns the walls of a textile warehouse in the centre of Bradford.
Each cotton triangle brings a different colour and design – purple flowers, green gingham, and assorted dots.
It looks stunning against the white background. “Bunting is bright and cheerful, perfect for a party, wedding or social event,” says Helen Agarwal, who made the pretty string.
Helen is one half of a creative partnership who have brought their skills, and those of other craftspeople, to the textile warehouse, where they are giving the public a chance to master them.
With friend Claire Ketterman, she co-ordinates a series of workshops at Texere Yarns, a ten-minute walk from Bradford centre, where people can learn crafts including felting, crochet, rag-rugging, weaving, knitting and both hand and machine embroidery.
The pair, who live near Haworth, had been running classes individually for some time, with subjects including textile painting, cushion-making and felting. But they had not collaborated – this year marks a new venture for them.
“I went away to America for three years, and while I was away Claire enrolled on a knitting design course,” says Helen. “When I got back we began to make things together and then got the opportunity to run the workshops.”
They are very excited about the sessions, which involve tuition from a number of skilled craftspeople from across the region.
“We believe they will offer people a chance to learn a new skill in a relaxed environment,” says Claire, who studied fashion and textiles at Bradford College: “Many people who get together with friends talk about doing something creative, but while they start off with good intentions, they don’t do anything about it. If they come along to a workshop they can fulfil those plans.”
She adds: “Women may go to the hairdresser, have their nails done or visit a spa to relax – this is something different, where they can be creative and relax and enjoy themselves at the same time. You can become so engrossed that you lose yourself – it is very good for your mental wellbeing.”
That is not to say the courses are exclusively for women. As Claire and Helen stress, men are welcome too. “Previous courses have included men,” says Claire. “A number of men in this area weave and use the mill as a source of unusual yarns.”
Adds Helen: “For those coming to classes there will be the added bonus of the mill – it is like a big Aladdin’s cave of yarns, fibres and other accessories.”
Both women are self-taught. Helen’s mum taught her to knit, sew and embroider. “I love yarns and fabrics – the textures and colours.”
Claire says: “To older generations, these pastimes were mainly a chore. Nowadays it is more about creativity and fun. The feeling of being able to create something yourself is wonderful. Some people find an outlet for their creativity through gardening or painting. I love making things with fabric or yarn.”
Making bunting is a speciality. “I made 175 yards of it for my friend’s wedding,” says Helen. “You can learn how to make it in a day, and go home with a five-metre length.”
In the run-up to Christmas, workshops will include “bright, fun” festive bunting. “Last year we got together with friends to make it, and also Christmas stockings.”
The pair are also running a course in customising cardigans. “You bring along a cardigan that you have grown tired of and we teach people to revamp it to create a different look. We make little corsages, trim the garment, or add beads or pockets. We customise garments to suit individual styles.”
Clutching a knitted Union flag bag, Jo Smith, one of the directors of Texere, adds: “We want to inspire people to be creative and use material and accessories that they might already have. In the past, we held a button necklace-making course, which was popular.”
Says Claire: “We want people to enjoy the workshops – we want to pass on our enthusiasm.”
- Courses begin in September, running through to Easter 2011. They are mainly one-day, from 10am to 4pm with a break for lunch. Others may be two days or half a day. Sessions take place on a Saturday to give more people a chance to take part.
Texere Yarns is at College Mill, Barkerend Road, Bradford. For further information and charges, contact Jo Smith on (01274) 722191, e-mail info@texere.co.uk, or visit texeretribe.co.uk.
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