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Rags to RichesPart of the ongoing Suffolk Craft Society John Jacob Young Makers’ Programme RAGS TO RICHES took place in the summer term of 2007 culminating in exhibitions at Leiston Long Shop Museum and Gallery 2, The Town Hall Galleries in Ipswich. Professional textile makers from the Society worked with teachers in Suffolk schools helping over 300 young people to experience the joy of craftwork and to develop their creative skills in the visual arts. One class learned how to knit impressive wallhangings using rags, sea shells and broom sticks. Another made 5m long wall hangings, while others made tabards, bowls and hats. The focus was on how to recycle otherwise discarded materials such as scraps of fabric, wool, plastic, buttons, tinfoil, even rope from Felixstowe beach, all gathered by children and their families. Over the course of the summer term these seemingly unpromising “rags” were transformed into an exciting variety of “riches”, including baskets and bowls, wall-hangings, tabards, hats and rugs. During the process, children practised a variety of skills, including screen printing, rope-making, even knitting on broom handles! Four makers, Jacky Linney, Jenny Nutbeem, Jo Rolfe and Anu Baldwin led the workshops working in textiles with the emphasis on recycled materials. The schools involved were Springfield Junior in Ipswich, Langer Primary in Felixstowe, Holton St Peter Community Primary, All Saints CEVA Primary in Laxfield and Beccles Middle School. The project was supported by the John Jacob Young Makers’ Programme, Friends of the Suffolk Craft Society and the Society. |
