Throughout history, stitching has long been used as a medium for protest and rebellion, taking everyday implements like needle and thread to convey humour, slogans, and poignant messages. In this 2-hour workshop, Holly will be encouraging you to explore an idea or theme that has personal significance to you as a starting point for your project.

Working on vintage tea towels, Holly will take you through the processes of selection and customisation to help you effectively communicate your ideas. Using simple hand stitching and applique techniques, participants will add text to their designs as Holly speaks about her own design practice and her ongoing project, The Subverted Vintage Tea Towel Series.

About the tutor

Holly Searle AKA The Subversive Stitcher is a textile artist whose work focuses on issues prevalent in today’s society. She has been an avid maker since childhood but a chance encounter with a Victorian needlework sampler reignited her creativity. Influenced by the sampler’s maker, inmate Mary Frances Heaton, Holly seeks to use her voice as an artist in the same way, to draw her audience’s attention to matters of social injustice and to empower women. Holly’s work has been widely exhibited in both solo and group shows around the UK.