Between January and February, Helen led a creative workshop series "Narrative Threads", designed for young people where participants had the chance to explore decorative sewing and banner-making skills.
"Over 8 weeks, ten young people aged 9 - 11 made small banners on the theme Someone Who Inspires Me. Their muses were wide-ranging, including authors, actors, K-pop idols, athletes, sisters and grannies! We explored why they were inspiring (determination, optimism, creativity, confidence and kindness were common themes) before considering how we could represent those individuals through graphics and visual story-telling techniques.
Then for the technical bit: in the three weeks that followed we practiced embroidery, applique and sewing machine skills. As the participants quickly discovered, sewing requires us to work in a slow, considered and mindful way - adding weight and purpose to every stitch. Suddenly the reality dawned that every aspect of their design was a commitment, and a technical challenge - designs were modified, simplified and refined, until each young person knew exactly what they wanted their banner to be.
Each of the young people involved showed independence, tenacity and problem-solving skills to be proud of. Their banners are testament to their hard work, passions and the values they hold dear. The final session was bitter-sweet - I'll miss them and their boundless enthusiasm, but seeing them parade their finished banners through Mareel's foyer on their way home had me bursting with pride!
Heartfelt thanks to the whole team at Shetland Arts for making this project possible. It was a pleasure from start to finish."
Follow Helen's work:
Website: Shetland Stitch Club
Facebook: Shetland Stitch Club
Instagram: @shetlandstitchclub
