The Artist

Ali draws inspiration from everyday people and everyday things and is endlessly fascinated by people and their stories, particularly their memories of ordinary home and working lives.
Wherever possible she works with old and used materials. Seeking out fragments of old clothing, household linens and the everyday bits & pieces that are to be found hidden away in the bottom of drawers.
She loves the thought that an old piece of clothing is implanted with stories of the wearer or that a piece of washed and worn table linen holds the secrets of a household. She layers and patches these fragments together, combining them with hand stitch – offering a glimpse into lives all but forgotten or overlooked.                                       

Ali’s first book ‘Cloth Stories – Capturing domestic life in textile art’ is published by Batsford Books on  14th March 2024.

The Workshop

In this workshop you’ll spend two lovely days sharing kitchen stories, playing with deliciously scrappy vintage materials and slow hand-stitching to create a cloth story collage inspired by our theme - Kitchen Tales.

Ali will share the stories behind some of her own kitchen collages and then gently lead you through her process of gathering and playing with meaningful materials and then using words, motifs and simple hand stitching to create a piece that is personal and has story at its heart.

The starting point for your collage will be a piece of kitchen related handwriting printed onto fabric. Ali will bring along a selection of printed fabrics with handwritten recipes and laundry notes for you to use or she’ll print your own personal piece of handwriting in advance of the course (details of this later).

Working on an old woollen blanket background, Ali will demonstrate her relaxed approach to cloth collage where fabrics are ripped and layered, printed words are highlighted, and personal words are hand stitched. She’ll show you how to add a stitched motif or two - all adding to your Kitchen Tales.

Ali will work with you individually to create your own personal piece. You’ll be encouraged to capture your own thoughts and memories and find ways to incorporate them in your work.

Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced stitcher, you’ll be shown everything you need to know. The workshop is suitable for all abilities.

All materials will be provided but you may wish to bring your own items to personalise your piece.

2 day workshop - 05 & 06 October 2024
10 - 4.30
£195 includes all materials & refreshments - please bring along lunch or alternatively visit one of the two Cafes on site or the  award winning farm shop.