We’re delighted to welcome back local artist, teacher and maker of hand-crafted items, Gaynor Devaney to the Old Low Light Heritage Centre for a half day workshop.
This will take place on Friday 10 March from 10am to 1pm. Places, at £15pp (plus a booking fee), can be booked online above. The workshop is suitable for both new and experienced stitchers.
With Gaynor’s expert help, participants will stitch ‘patched hearts’ which can be used for decorative purposes, for example, attached to gifts, bunting, mobiles etc. Each participant will take away at least one heart and a pattern that they can use at home.
In terms of the skills involved, the hearts will be collaged using running stitch with scope for experimenting with other embroidery stitches such as French knots, lazy daisy stitch etc.
Gaynor will provide a basic kits but participants are also welcome to bring their own fabric if they wish to personalise their heart, making it more of an individual memento.
Needles and scissors will be provided but participants may also bring their own.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided and participants can also buy hot drinks and toasties, scones or cake in the Old Low Light café which opens at 10am.
The event follows a successful workshop led by Gaynor at the centre last autumn when participants produced a fabulous array of ‘raindrop birds’.
Gaynor, who has worked in the community for many years as an artist and teacher, including for organisations such as the Tyne and Wear Museums Service, the National Trust as well as hospitals and schools, said: “The hearts are a lovely thing to make because they can be personalised to reflect on memories and every one will be individual to the participant.”
She is also a founder member of SEW NE29, a community group for people who like to stitch, which meets on the second Saturday of the month at Christ Church Parish Hall. Over the past two years the group has actively encouraged sewing projects during pandemic lockdowns and restrictions, sending out kits that people could work with at home and running online sessions.
Further information about Gaynor’s craft work is available at www.gaynordevaney.co.uk