A DYNAMIC artist is encouraging locals of all ages to learn new creative skills by joining her new sewing classes and pop up workshops.
Claire Louise Mather, a freelance artist and educator, has launched Sew Saddleworth to help learners of all abilities produce exciting outcomes of a textile based nature.
The sessions will be held at Dobcross Band Club and will include a ‘Sewn Together’ section to promote family learning so adults can learn and create with their children or grandchildren.
Claire Louise, 39, who lives in Dobcross, decided to put the new venture into action after finding a lack of provision for this kind of activity in the area.
She explained: “I would really like to be able to help make creativity accessible to all.
“The idea of my workshops is to help local people learn new creative skills and perhaps inspire them to establish their own businesses in the future.
“Classes are small, informal and very affordable, offering plenty of one-to-one support to help learners build sewing skills and confidence.”
All materials and equipment are included in the price of the class so all learners need to think about is colours and fabrics to use for each project.
Claire Louise moved to Saddleworth three years ago and worked part time as a Fashion Tutor at The Oldham College and Oldham Lifelong Learning teaching.
This year, she became an Artist in Residence at St Thomas at Werneth and is a Gallery Oldham’s Visual Artist and a Creative Practitioner for The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.
She added: “I would like to share my skills and offer workshops for adults and also promote family learning through my new venture.
“I love anything creative and, while I can turn my hand to many crafts, my main passion is for sewing and anything involving fabric. I guess you could say I’m the ultimate ‘Material Girl’!”
Workshops will run on Saturday mornings from May 24 at Dobcross Band Club. Prices start for adults from £25 for a 2.5 hour session, which includes all materials and the use of brand new Janome sewing machines.
All details of classes are on the website www.sewsaddleworth.com with new dates and different courses added on a regular basis.
