Join us at ArtSpeak gallery between September16 and 21 for a weeklong exploration of slow and sustainable textile based art practices.

Since January 1st, 2024, the artists have been engaged in a daily stitch project. Recording the passage of a day, every day is a personal practice that offers time for contemplative and slow work. Though the work of each day is small, the cumulative visual impact of recorded days is striking. We will discuss our individual approaches to this project as we invite you to join us in this practice.

Fundamental to our work as artists is a commitment to consuming fewer resources. As textile production is often fraught with harmful practices, our focus is multi-pronged:

• to use already existing textiles in our practices,

• to create better made and therefore longer lasting pieces, and

• teach mending skills so that everyone can extend the life of their own textile pieces.

A different hand stitch workshop will be offered each day:

Day 1: The basics of the basics. Learn to thread a needle and to tie a beautiful knot. You will learn the simple and versatile running and back stitches. These stitches are used as utility seam stitches, for raw edge applique, and as a decorative top stitch.

Day 2: Whip stitch. We will introduce the whip, or overcast, stitch which will expand your range both for stitching seams and finer-finish applique.

Day 3: Blanket stitch. The blanket stitch is a versatile and decorative embroidery stitch used for edging and finishing, for mending, and as another method of adding applique.

Day 4: Hemming. You will learn tips and tricks for pressing both straight and curved hems. We will introduce our favourite hand hemming techniques.

Day 5: Mending. We will delve into different methods of repair using simple stitches and patches.. We'll also teach you tailor’s tricks to sewing on a button.

Our exhibit reception will include an artist materials swap.