Thrift and Thread
Recently in celebration of make-do-and-mend and of the stories worn garments and used fabrics have to tell, textile artist Mandy Pattullo and dance and storytelling artist Virginia Kennedy came together in a new project called Thrift and Thread.
Meeting at The Alnwick Garden and working with the Elderberries project, Mandy and Virginia brought together those who love to craft, knit and sew with those who love to dance and move. As well as providing costumes and props, refashioned textiles awaken memories and inspire movement and dance. Mandy and Virginia conceived the project as an antiodote to the throwaway culture, and to create opportunities for cherishing moments and things gone by.
Making a corsage
In the first Thrift and Thread session, Mandy led a workshop in making corsages for the dancers to wear, with Mandy experimenting with using used carrier bags rather than fabric. To make your own corsage, collect oddments of fabric (or anything else you’d like to try) and cut leaf shapes. Layer them to create a flower, roughly sewing them together from the back as you go. For a pretty centre, use a scrunched piece of fabric or cover a small ball of scraps before sewing into the centre, or try a large button. Sew a safety pin or ribbon-ties onto the back.
Mandy Pattullo’s recent work is about taking old things and transforming them into new heirlooms. She works with stitch, fabric manipulation and print. Make do and mend, recycling and customising are the key concepts she is exploring during the recession.
Virginia Kennedy is an innovator of dance projects with a strong commitment to the value of arts for all. She’s currently interested in offering opportunities for older dancers, and runs Just For Us dance sessions at Theatre Royal and Alnwick Playhouse.
