Let’s create something meaningful together.
Our Workshops
School of Design, Northumbria University
The Design Feminisms Research Group is an inclusive feminist research group at Northumbria University’s School of Design. The group is inclusive of people of all genders who do research around, are exploring, or are interested in learning more about feminisms and how this theory and lens relates to design.
Design Feminisms Research Group Studio, School of Design, Northumbria University, CCE2 room 202, Newcastle, NE2 1XA,
https://hosting.northumbria.ac.uk/northumbriadesign/design-feminisms-research-group/
4a. Open Studio and Exhibition at Design Feminisms Research Group
Friday Only
Open: 6-10.30pm
Explore different relationships between feminisms and design in the North East, nationally, and internationally. On the evening, you will be able to explore an exhibition of work-in-progress from the group, from wide-ranging bodies of work. They will share their research process, outcomes, and materials that explore topics such as women’s recovery services, care practices, co-design methodologies, community-led AI, wool communities, and many more.
Exhibitions
Open Studios
Alcohol Free
Women in Stitches is launching its first workshop at The Late Shows, and you’re invited to come see what we’re all about.
Drop in to explore simple garment repair techniques—like Sashiko stitching—and discover how creative, calming, and empowering mending can be. You’ll also have the chance to meet me and connect with other women who enjoy being creative, learning new skills, or simply trying something a little different.
A relaxed space, friendly faces, and hands-on making—say hello and get stitching.
Fashion BAGgage with Slow Hand Creative Studio and Island Maker
Learn how to create a chic knot bag with reclaimed fabric & appliqué at our creatively mindful workshop!
Get creative at our sustainable upcycling workshop! Learn to sew a stylish Japanese knot bag using reclaimed fabrics and master the art of appliqué to personalise your creation. This hands-on session, led by local designers dedicated to sustainable fashion and mindful making, is perfect for all skill levels and promotes eco-conscious crafting, slow fashion, and community connection. All materials provided by St Oswald’s Hospice! Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, meet fellow makers, and leave with a functional, fashionable bag you made yourself. Let’s stitch sustainably!
Organised by Slow Hand Creative Studio and ISLAND MAKER, more details below
Melanie Kyles
Business Owner at Slow Hand Creative Studio
I'm a contemporary needlework specialist with a love for all things tactile, sparkly, and story-driven. Trained in freehand, goldwork, tambour, and Irish machine embroidery, my work weaves together traditional techniques with a deep commitment to sustainability, which informs every stage of my practice. Storytelling sits at the heart of everything I do—whether I'm making bold statements on feminism, heritage, or environmentalism, capturing personal narratives through unique commissions, or sharing ideas through teaching with the aim of inspiring others. Currently completing my MA in Sustainable and Ethical Fashion, I believe fashion and textiles should be a joyful, creative force that uplifts without compromise. I'm a proud Geordie, passionate about nurturing creative talent in the region through knowledge exchange and mentorship. My mission is to encourage creative confidence, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the beauty and power of needlework and self-expression.
Suzanne Claire Nicolson
Business Owner at Island Maker and Senior Research Assistant at Impact+
Suzanne Claire Nicolson is a multidisciplinary design researcher and practitioner specialising in sustainability, textile innovation, and circular fashion systems. Currently a Senior Research Assistant at Northumbria University and is the founder of Island Maker—a creative business rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Shetland Isles. Island Maker blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sustainable practices, drawing inspiration from Suzanne’s hometown in Shetland. Each handmade fashion piece, illustration, and community workshop reflects thoughtful material choices and compelling storytelling. Her work explores themes including textile waste, end-of-life garment strategies, repair cultures, and community engagement. Working across multiple disciplines, Suzanne investigates how mindful making, care practices, and creative collaboration can inform more sustainable futures for fashion and textiles. Beyond academia, she extends her research through freelance design projects and participatory workshops—bridging theory and practice through collaboration, skills exchange, craft, inquiry, and innovation.
Sashiko inspired repair workshop: Bring New Life to Garments
A creative and sustainable approach to garment repair. Embrace the art of Sashiko-inspired repair, leaving with beautifully mended pieces
Organised by IMPACT+ at Northumbria University and St Oswald’s Hospice.
Join us for Sustainable Fashion Week 2025 to discover Embellishment as repair through the ancient decorative Japanese art of Sashiko in this engaging workshop. Learn how to breathe new life into your cherished garments by applying intricate stitching techniques that combine both beauty and functionality. Under the guidance of experienced designers, you'll master the art of Embellishment and Sashiko, a traditional form of embroidery that has been used for centuries to repair, reinforce, and decorate fabric. Whether you're looking to repair holes and tears or simply add a touch of unique embellishment, this workshop will equip you with the stitching skills to transform your clothing into crafted works of art.
What to Expect:
Introduction to Sashiko: Learn the how Sashiko embellishment techniques are used and applied.
Hands-On Practice: Get hands-on experience with basic Sashiko stitching patterns and designs.
Garment Repair: Apply these skills to repair and embellish garments. Bring your favourite pieces that need some TLC or use the garments provided.
Materials Provided: All necessary materials, including needles, threads, and fabric, will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer, and if so, please make sure they are denim/woven fabrics.
Expert Guidance: Enjoy personalised instruction and feedback from our expert designers.
Care & Repair Guide: Our new guide provides useful step-by-step insights and instructions into how to apply accessible repair techniques to extend the life of your clothing, from sewing on a button and darning a sock to visible mending to cover a hole or a stain in a garment. This will be available to explore during the workshop.
All tools and equipment will be provided, but please feel free to bring along any personal garments you would like to mend using daring methods and
Who Can Attend: This workshop is open to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned sewers. No prior experience with Embellishment or Sashiko is required.
Location: At St Oswald's Hospice *BRAND NEW* the space venue at Ouseburn. This workshop is organised and run by the IMPACT+ team at Northumbria University supported byh , join us for a creative and sustainable approach to garment repair. Embrace the art of Embellishment with Sashiko and take away your beautifully mended pieces that tell a story of garment resilience and craftsmanship.
Event: Darning Workshop, Bring New Life to Garments through repair
Join us for an engaging and hands-on darning workshop where you'll learn the art of repairing and revitalising old and cherished clothing.
Organised by IMPACT+ at Northumbria University and St Oswald’s Hospice.
As part of Sustainable Fashion Week 2025, in this interactive Darning Workshop session, participants will discover:
Darning Basics: Understand the fundamentals of darning as a useful form of repair and its importance in extending the life of a garment for a sustainable world.
Techniques and Tools: Get familiar with various darning techniques and the essential tools that are needed for effective darning repairs.
Practical Demonstrations: Watch demonstrations from Northumbria University designers and crafters showing how to mend holes, tears, and worn-out areas in garments.
Creative Touches: Learn how to add artistic flair to your repairs, turning them into unique fashion statements.
Care & Repair Guide: Our new guide provides useful step-by-step insights and instructions into how to apply accessible repair techniques to extend the life of your clothing, from sewing on a button and darning a sock to visible mending to cover a hole or a stain in a garment. This will be available to explore during the workshop.
All tools and equipment will be provided, but please feel free to bring along any personal garments you would like to mend using daring methods and make sure they are made from knit material, such as hats, scarves, jumpers, cardigans, socks, dresses, etc.
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your repair skills, this workshop provides the perfect opportunity to make your clothes last longer while expressing your creativity. Join us at St Oswald's Hospice *BRAND NEW* the space venue at Ouseburn. The IMPACT+ team who are part of Northumbria University, will be running the workshop, assisted by St Oswald’s Hospice volunteers.