On Saturday 27 September, Shirley Library in Southampton transformed into a vibrant tapestry of creativity and connection during Spinning Yarns: A Workshop of Weaving and Storytelling.
Led by Susmita Bhattacharya and Shobhna Philips, the event was part of Writing Our Legacy’s ‘No Place Like Home’ programme, which centres creative responses to themes of home and childhood home, and was supported by Arts Council England and Wire Wool Events.
It was a child-friendly workshop that invited participants of all ages and backgrounds to explore the art of weaving, both with thread and with words.
The workshop offered more than just a lesson in textile techniques, for as hands worked through yarn, voices began to share stories prompted by slips of paper drawn from a bag, each suggesting a thoughtful question.
Some of the prompts included:
- “Share a memory from your first home as an adult”
- “Share a memory of when another woman supported you through a difficult time”
- “Share a moment where you were surprised by your own strength”
These gentle nudges opened the door to deeply personal reflections. As participants became absorbed in the meditative act of weaving, they found themselves more relaxed, more open, and more willing to speak and share their stories.
One of the most enriching aspects of Spinning Yarns was the diversity of its participants. People from a wide range of cultural backgrounds came together, each bringing their own experiences, traditions, and perspectives. The result was a mosaic of voices, all contributing to a shared narrative of community and creativity.
What’s Next: A Series of Storytelling Workshops
Spinning Yarns is just the beginning. Writing our Legacy has curated a series of workshops that continue to explore themes of identity, memory, and expression:
Migration, Memory and Identity: Poetic Responses to African Diaspora Artists
4 October at 2pm, October Books Led by Susmita Bhattacharya and Liz Amos.
Words Like Music to Your Ears
22 November at 1pm, John Hansard Gallery – Susmita Bhattacharya and Pooja Angra.
Check the Wire Wool Events website to book your tickets and to keep updated on all other coming events:
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