Creative textile workshops for parents and babies, combining embroidery, conversation and community-building in a supportive environment.
RICAMI is a creative textile and embroidery workshop for parents, carers and babies, designed to foster connection, creativity and community through collective making.
The word "ricami" means "embroidery" in Italian, but it can also be understood as stories woven together. Across the programme, participants use simple embroidery techniques, textiles and creative prompts to explore themes such as identity, care, belonging, memory and the experience of raising young children.
No previous sewing or embroidery experience is required. The workshops are suitable for complete beginners as well as those who already enjoy textile crafts. The focus is not on producing perfect embroidery, but on creating a welcoming and supportive space where participants can slow down, meet other local families and engage in meaningful creative activity. Babies and young children are welcome throughout the sessions and can participate through sensory engagement with fabrics, colours, textures and materials, while parents and carers take part in the creative process. The workshops encourage positive parent-child interaction, opportunities for social connection and a sense of belonging within the local community.
Throughout the programme, participants will contribute to a collective textile artwork inspired by the group's conversations, reflections and experiences. The final piece will serve as a shared record of the relationships, stories and creativity that emerge during the workshops. All materials are provided, including fabrics, embroidery hoops, threads and needles. Participants are also welcome to bring meaningful textiles from home should they wish to incorporate them into their work.
RICAMI is facilitated by Gloria Campedelli, founder of ART(ie), a London-based community arts initiative exploring the relationship between creativity, wellbeing and social connection. ART(ie) develops participatory projects that use art as a tool for conversation, reflection and community-building. Whether you are new to embroidery or simply looking to meet other local parents in a relaxed and creative environment, RICAMI offers a space to make, connect and create something meaningful together.
About Gloria Campedelli:
Gloria Campedelli is the founder of ART(ie), a London-based community arts and research initiative exploring the relationship between creativity, wellbeing and social connection. With a background in psychology, arts management and project delivery, she has worked across galleries, cultural organisations and community settings in the UK and Italy. Her practice focuses on developing participatory projects that bring people together through art, conversation and collective making.
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Contact: If you have any questions regarding this session, please email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk
Venue: The Create Place at St Margaret’s House, 29 Old Ford Road — E2 9PJ
Access: If you have any access needs of which we should be aware, please let us know. Entry to The Create Place is step-free but the toilet is not accessible. If you require access to an accessible toilet, please get in touch with us on 020 8980 2092 or email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk so we can arrange this for you.
Dates:
Sunday 5th July
Sunday 26th July
Times: 11am-12.30pm
Tickets:
Pay Less (covers some of our costs) – I am a student, unemployed, on benefits or financially stressed - £5
Standard (covers most of our costs) – I am employed, have some expendable income, and manage to meet my basic needs - £7.5
Pay it Forward (covers all of our costs and supports our work at SMH) – I am employed or have enough savings to comfortably meet my basic needs - £10