I am a new member, focused primarily on sewing and quilting. It’s so special that SLMS has this textiles workshop-- I’ve found that most maker spaces don’t make room for fabric arts. I’d love to make a big effort to get that area of the space organized, streamlined, properly stocked, and ready for action!
I’m starting this discussion to see who else uses the textiles area and who would be interested in helping with this endeavor. Firstly, I don’t want to misplace or clean out anything that is being used or belongs to a member. Also, I want to set up the space so that it is properly equipped and well laid out for all of us that want to use it.
Last Thursday Julia and I started this process by taking the machines out of the snug, seeing which ones worked and didn’t, and generally discussing the needs of the textiles workshop. (SURPRISE! We have at least one more working machine!)
However, because there is SO much to be done for this area, I think it would be really beneficial if those interested or invested in textiles could meet in person for an initial inventory and planning session. I guess the first step is just to see how many of us there are, and then we can talk about scheduling that-- perhaps a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening depending on when people are free?
I will also be at the Craft Meet Up tomorrow night and hope to meet more of you in person there!
That’s great @Lauren! I am mostly interested in repairing stuff - so want to see us either fix or replace the industrial machine - I have all the history of it I can run through sometime… But right now it it unusable…
Hi Lauren! Unfortunately I won’t be able to come anymore as I am leaving tomorrow for a few days. Please let me know if you are gonna do another one - I would be very interested
Hi Lauren - I’m definitely interested and want to help. I’ll be there tomorrow of course. The space really needs clearing out - there’s lots of scrap fabric and rubbish which I think is hiding what is really there and making it very unappealing. It could be great space.
However, I cannot make anything on a Monday - any other evening for a meeting is fine though.
Fantastic! I’ve really wanted to learn more about repairing and fixing machines, so perhaps I can look over your shoulder. Are you talking about the Bernina? The one closest to the door?
Hey Verde! I think the craft meet ups will be either twice a month or every other week. Separately, I will be sure to keep you updated on when we set a date for the initial planning and organizing textiles day. Thanks!
In the context of plans for the second arch and re-arrangement of Arch 1, it would be good of a textiles group could define their requirements and ideal location and arrangement of equipment and materials.
OK great. I have heard tell of this other, slightly more modern industrial that may be available to bring in. I think that would be awesome!
Very cool that you were able to make the Singer work at some point. I tried it out on Thursday only for a second. Honestly, the horse power on that thing scared the bejeezus out of me! Haha! I already sewed through my finger once. I have no wish to do it again!
I’m eager to help as well but my travels a keeping me away from London longer (back april 10) + I’ll be more available on weekends as I have a bigish commute and long work days
If you contemplate any online planning meetings before that please count me in (but don’t wanna create complexity if I’m the only one remote)!
Hey!
Amazing work being done at the textiles, I’d like to remind that the labeled quantum bags are only for waste disposal, they were prepaid so each bag already costs us money.
I removed the fabrics and left them where they were and reclaimed the bag yesterday for use in waste disposal.
@Lauren just jumping back on this bandwagon to say I’m keen to help now that I’m settled in london
We can start with the garment making workshop we’re already planning
But @Julia also mentioned a list of items that are missing for the space, happy to contribute to that and any other stuff where you could use help (I’m thinking next time I’m there I’ll get that little knitting machine out of its box and give it some love in case someone wants to try it out)!
I’ve never used one, but I think @mounia will be taking a look at the knitting machine in the next couple weeks. I’m also eager to see it in action if it still works!
Awesome @Lauren I’m happy to stay on after the garment making workshop kickoff meeting and chat about the textile area more broadly!
@Maz I’m in the same lot of people who can use a knitting machine half decently after 2 pandemic knitting years Yeah as @Lauren mentioned I plan to pull that little monster out this weekend to see how she’s doing.
Folks also suggested at the members meeting that it could be a nice thing to showcase at the South London Maker Festival. But I’m a bit short on ideas of how we could make it interactive: coming up with a project where visitors could maybe make a communal knitted artwork. I’ll start a thread and Cc you for a chat if you have ideas!
