I offer talks and creative workshops exploring textiles,stitch, making and the stories held within cloth. As an artist, stitcher, teacher and researcher, I combine practical knowledge with an interest in textile traditions , cultural exchange and learning through making.
Workshops
My workshops include hand embroidery, Shisha (mirror) work, kantha, kawandi, block printing, Indian style stitch, Sashiko and Boro inspired stitch = stitching to repair.
I run regular indigo dyeing classes with Liz Mullenger, as well as hand-stitch based workshops at Sew Creative. I offer bespoke workshops for guilds, arts and sustainability organisations, and private groups, tailored to suit your venue, audience, or event.
Each workshop is rooted in thoughtful making, encouraging creativity, connection, and a deeper appreciation of cloth — its history, its reuse, and the stories held within it.
If you’d like to discuss bringing a workshop to your venue or group, please get in touch.
Talks
I love talking about textiles and art and the experiences and stories that surround making. My current talks include:
Becoming Me Again – How Textiles Changed My life
– a personal story through creativity,textiles and finding a new direction though making.
Gujarat Journey: The Art and Heritage of Gujarati Textiles
– exploring the extraordinary textile traditions of Gujarat though my trailers , encounters with makers and ongoing research
Threads of Tradition: Suzanis, Stitch and Talismans from the Uzbek section of the Silk Road
An exploration of embroidered textiles symbolism and traditions encountered through traveled in Uzbekistan.
Talks can be adapted for textile groups, guilds, art organisations and other interested audiences.
I sometimes give talks at at World Textiles Days
Public liability insurance and DBS Certificate.
helen sill 