Workshops

In my workshops, I guide participants to use stitch as a creative tool to transform fabrics as well as learn new skills in natural dyeing and decorative repair stitch to help extend the life of a garment or create a beautiful art piece.

Here I share my expertise in textiles through sessions designed for all abilities, encouraging a mindful, relaxed approach where each stitch is taken at your own comfortable pace.

These workshops offer a hands-on experience that celebrates sustainability, creativity, and the beauty of imperfection. Through learning traditional and contemporary techniques, participants discover how to darn, embellish, and breathe new life into textiles that might otherwise be discarded. Whether you are a beginner or experienced maker, the workshops are tailored to nurture your skills and creativity in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Beyond skill-building, the workshops are an invitation to slow down and engage with craft as a form of reflection and care—both for the materials and for yourself. By taking time to slowly stitch, you develop patience and mindfulness, transforming making into a meditative practice that values the journey as much as the result.

The Art of Sashiko Embroidery

Unlock the beauty of Japanese textiles art with a creative workshop on traditional Sashiko repair stitch. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned crafter, this workshop is designed to help you master these sewing techniques and embrace the sustainable philosophy behind this ancient craft.

During the workshop, you will be introduced to hand-stitching techniques inspired by Japanese mending, using a variety of beautiful stitch patterns and fabrics. You will be guided through a selection of traditional symbolic motifs, which can later be developed into further projects or used to repair your own clothes.

All materials will be provided and in addition you will be able to take home a small sewing pack so that you can continue to feel inspired and confident to repair and rejuvenate your favourite textile pieces at home.

Saturday 20th September 2025: The Art of Sashiko Embroidery: Victoria Works, Chalford. Gloucestershire: More details: https://www.victoriaworksstudios.co.uk/workshops-products/sashiko

Saturday 17th January  2026: The Art of Sashiko Embroidery: New Brewery Arts, Cirencester. More details: https://www.newbreweryarts.org.uk/the-art-of-sashiko-repair-stitch

Create your own Sketchbook

A creative half-day workshop focused on making your own sketchbooks and exploring playful, sustainable bookbinding techniques.

You will design and create a sketchbook using a mix of recycled, textured, and reclaimed papers, bound with a traditional hand-sewn technique. By working with scraps and repurposed materials, you will discover how sustainable practices can inspire creativity and give new life to what might otherwise be discarded. The sketchbook you create will serve as a valuable starting point for future creative projects.

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced makers looking to craft a variety of sketchbooks in a relaxed and informal environment.

All materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own special papers or a cover to personalise your sketchbook.

Interested in this workshop? Sign up here to join the waiting list.

Wild Colour: Natural Dyeing

Step into the world of Wild Colour, an introductory one-day workshop suitable for beginners, where your surrounding landscape becomes your natural palette. You will explore the alchemy of natural dyestuff - drawn from plants, flowers, seeds, barks, and minerals - to create a spectrum of hues that leave a less harmful trace on the environment. Along the way, you will receive guidance on responsible foraging and seasonal tips for sourcing the best materials.

You will learn how mordants and modifiers can enhance natural ingredients to produce rich, lasting tones. Working with seasonal materials, you will transform natural sources into dyes and inks using techniques rooted in tradition, while exploring the joy of working in harmony with nature.

By the end of the day, you will have a naturally dyed collection of fabric swatches to inspire and guide your future creative projects.

All materials are included, and you will receive a hand-out and notebook to take home along with all the samples you create during the workshop.

Interested in this workshop? Sign up here to join the waiting list.

Creative Stitch

Join me for an enriching, one-day workshop exploring the creative potential of creative stitch. Working with a variety of fabrics, you will learn a range of both hand and machine stitch techniques, building your skills while experimenting with colour, texture, and form.

Through guided demonstrations and playful exploration, you will learn a series of stitch techniques that can serve as inspiration and reference for future textile projects. With an emphasis on creativity and personal expression, this workshop is suitable for all abilities — from beginners eager to learn new techniques to experienced makers looking for fresh ideas.

This is a relaxed day of experimental creative stitching, taking time to fully immerse yourself in the making process.

Interested in this workshop? Sign up here to join the waiting list.

Experimental Weave Workshop

Discover the foundations of weaving on a small tabletop frame loom in this fun, relaxed workshop held in an inspiring studio space. You will learn how to set up your loom with a warp and explore various techniques and patterns to create your own unique woven fabric.

Using recycled fabrics, wools, threads, and a variety of multi-media materials, you will experiment with colour and texture through a sustainable, hands-on approach. This workshop invites creativity and encourages you to explore innovative processes within woven textiles. You will leave with a beautiful, original piece of weaving and the skills to continue your weaving journey at home should you wish.

Interested in this workshop? Sign up here to join the waiting list.

  • Another excellent workshop at Victoria Works. Lichen is an excellent tutor. Look forward to my next opportunity. Keep up the good work.

    Julie

  • Just to say thank you to Lichen for such a wonderful relaxing and informative day. She really is a great teacher and totally inspiring, with such gentle nature which allowed me to gain the confidence to learn new skills and enhance old ones! I'll certainly be booking another workshop.

    Debbie

  • What a fantastic workshops - I really enjoyed it. Lichen is a very inspirational teacher and I hope she is pleased with all our results.

    Louise