Mending is a workshop that explores textile repair on knitted and wool textiles, how you do it and why you do it. It considers the tenderness and care of mending. The aim of the workshop is to practice mending techniques on knit. You will learn about artists working with repair. You will learn and develop skills in woven and fake ‘knitted’ darning. There will also be an opportunity to work on repairing any sweaters and socks and wool accessories, that you own and that have holes. Please bring along any damaged wool and knitted items that you would like to discuss repair options for. Darning materials will be provided. No previous darning, knitting, needle based experience is necessary.

Celia Pym is an artist living and working in London most recently her work has been included in exhibitions Woman’s Hour Craft Prize, V&A Museum and Loewe Craft Prize, COAM, Madrid and 21_21, Tokyo. Celia Pym has been exploring mending since 2007 with extensive experience of small everyday holes, at heels, elbows, in pockets as well as working on more dramatic damage, from water damage, animal nesting and moths issues. Celia’s interests are around the evidence of damage – through repair you look closely at where garments and cloth have got worn down and thin. In clothing this wearing is often to do with use and how the body moves. Celia says “she likes that darning is often small acts of care and paying attention to where things fray and wear out.”

The workshop is open to a maximum of 10 participants (age 16+) on a first come, first served basis. Attendance at the workshop costs £40 (£30 students) with all proceeds supporting the SCHOOL SCHOOL after school club for the local state school students.