Design and create your own textile mixed media artwork inspired by the Windrush generation.

Keep your artwork as “hoop art” or your textile creation could also be used at a later date as a decorative patch for garment repair or customisation.

Using African patterned fabrics, sequinned and decorative trimmings, beads and a print of the ‘Windrush Toile’. This toile is hand drawn by Elizabeth Joseph and based on images of African and Caribbean women who came to the UK during the 1950’s and 60s. A unique take on traditional French toile fabrics from the late 1700s depicting pastoral motifs of wealthy people at leisure.

During the Workshop, Elizabeth will share her research in traditional crafts from the Caribbean and her own childhood memories of sewing and crafting and also serve up a non-alcoholic cocktail made from ginger beer, lime, cinnamon and Angostura.

Morning Class, 11am – 1:30pm – Techniques Covered :

• Decorative Appliqué: layer the ‘Windrush Toile’ fabric onto an upcycled African patterned base fabric, using fabric adhesive.
• Embellish using sequinned trimmings and decorative embroidery.
• An introduction to hand embroidery: use ‘back stitch’, ‘chain stitch’ and/or ‘blanket stitch’ on your fabric.

Afternoon class, 2:30 – 5pm – Techniques Covered:

• Decorative Beading: Beads may be sewn on individually, or applied in threaded lengths, onto your ‘Windrush Toile’ fabric.
• Option to decorate with reclaimed / broken costume jewellery.
• Option to embellish with decorative embroidery.

Each session can be booked individually or we are offering a small discount if you book the full day! (you will receive another piece of the “Windrush Toile” and non alcoholic cocktail!)

About Elizabeth Joseph:

Born and lives in London. Her parents are from the Caribbean (Barbados and Antigua) She Completed a Degree in 3-Dimensional Design, and has studied Art and the History and African and Caribbean crafts.

Elizabeth designs and hosts regular creative workshops, including at Soho House, The Wing London, The Curtain Hotel and The Collective Living. Her crafts have also been featured on Channel 4, BBC Radio London, ITVX and Vogue Living Korea

Her crafts are influenced by fashion trends, interior design, travels around North Africa and her Ghanaian ancestry, the ever-changing scenes and places in London and ongoing research into crafts history in the Caribbean. She regularly visits flea markets to source unique vintage trimmings and collects the offcuts of African patterned fabric from her artist-friend Sue Kreitzman.

Elizabeth currently runs craft workshops for Seniors who are members of African Caribbean Community Groups in London and has founded a non-profit : Heritage Community Crafts C.I.C.

Class Size: Max 12 Students

Time: 11am – 1:30pm & 2:30 – 5pm (Please arrive promptly)

Price: £35 or £60 (2 sessions / full day)

What’s Included:

• Piece of orginal “Windrush Toile” designed by Elizabeth Joseph
• 8″ embroidery hoop
• Needle & embroidery threads
• A selection of African patterned fabric, trims, beads, upcycled componets to create with
• Beads & upcycled costume jewellery (for the afternoon session)
• non-alcoholic cocktail made from ginger beer, lime, cinnamon and Angostura prepared by Elizabeth!

How to Book: Visit Fabrications, call 020 7275 8043 or BOOK ONLINE

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)