A new project, inspired by the ethos of the famed Skylark vessel, is set to help residents learn new textiles skills.
The team behind the Skylark IX Recovery Project have launched a new autumn workshop for adults in West Dunbartonshire.
It will see participants explore the theme of a ‘journey’ through the medium of textiles, using stitch, collage and mark-making.
The venture is one of a series inspired by the ‘make do and mend’ message of wartime Britain, sparked by the team’s work with the Skylark - the Loch Lomond-based vessel which famously served as part of a flotilla of ‘little ships’ scrambled to help evacuate stricken allied servicemen from the beaches of Dunkirk during the Second World War.
They will work alongside textile historian and artist Suzanne Marshall, to deliver the ‘Skylark in Stitches’ workshop.
It inspired a series of successful summer ‘Make do and Mend’ workshops.
Jade West, community engagement co-ordinator at the Skylark IX Recovery Project, said: “Our Make Do and Mend summer sessions were inspired by our ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’ Skylark IX and the wartime culture of reusing, reclaiming and recycling materials.
“With climate change such a pressing issue today, once again there is a real reason to learn about and enjoy upcycling and reusing old material like many of us have sitting in cupboards at home.
“The summer sessions were hugely popular and showed that people in West Dunbartonshire have a real need and desire for informal learning activities like these which are relevant and bring people together to connect and socialise, in these particularly isolating times.”
She added: “We’re thrilled to launch ‘Skylark in Stitches!’ and look forward to seeing what everyone creates.”
The programmes will run from October 12 to December 7, at Lennox Evangelical Church in Dumbarton’s Risk Street.
To register interest, email, text or call Jade West on jade.west@alternativeswd.org / 07939 664921.
