Common Threads and PAMOJA at the Framework Knitters Museum

In 2019, we worked with the PAMOJA women’s group, taking inspiration from the collections and garden at the Framework Knitters Museum.

Together we created a small but lovely display of textile work. Each piece is an individual response, and together they reflect the energy and enthusiasm of the group who enjoyed exploring the museum and creating this work.

We have loved working with the PAMOJA group  -  these warm, diverse, talented women approached the project with such enthusiasm.

This short project is the beginning of a creative collaboration with the Framework Knitters Museum.

PAMOJA Women Together!

PAMOJA  women’s group are based at Nottingham Refugee Centre. Pamoja means ‘inclusive’ in Swahili.

The Women’s Group is for female asylum seekers, refugees and those with a migration background. We meet every Friday during term time from 10 til 12 pm, where we learn new skills; make new friends; build on our own personal development and share our or skills with women from a diverse cultural backgrounds. We welcome women from different backgrounds to join us in exchanging skills, ideas and opportunities to learn from each other.

Thank you for this lovely project, it really did inspire and create a safe and tranquil space for our group who often aren't invited in. Hannah Ziolek, group leader

http://www.nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk/projects/womens-group/

The creative sessions

The creative sessions with the PAMOJA group were designed to build confidence, teach and share skills and to produce work which could be displayed in the museum. We wanted to give the group a warm welcome – for each session, tables were decorated with flowers from the garden, there was lots of tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits. Very soon, there was also lots of chatting and laughing!

Our first small project was for each participant to create a tiny flower embroidery which was then turned into a badge.  It was a nice way to introduce the group to embroidery and to create a small but ‘finished’ item to take away.

Building on this, our next project was for each participant to stitch a larger circular textile piece  inspired by the floral patterns of the embroidered stockings in the collection, and the blooming garden at the museum. The base fabric was heavy-weight vintage linen, appliquéd with recycled fine cottons with floral prints or woven stripes. We re-created and re-interpreted some of the ‘chevening’ stitches used in the stockings to create the ‘foliage’ on the pieces. 

Some group members were experienced, skilled embroiderers, for some it was a new experience! All participants approached the project with enthusiasm and tenacity, teaching and helping each other.  Where needed, we were able to offer one-to-one support to enable everyone to complete their individual pieces. Together, the embroideries reflect the energy and individuality of the group, while also referencing the traditions of their inspiration. It was a pleasure to create this work together.

Feedback from participants

I enjoyed learning about different types of stitches and working them into the fabric. It also reminded me of home; watching my mother make designs for the cousins’ headrests and dining table setting. Thank you for this session. Many more to come, I hope !

I really enjoyed today and I’m looking forward to coming and learning more. 💗’

I like the sewing- it’s very good. It’s very relaxing for me. I liked making the badge - I can make one for a friend.

I enjoyed my... and doing it for the first time was great fun. Having a tour around the museum was brilliant. Thank you everyone at the museum for giving me the opportunity to visit your awesome family house. 10/10.  So sorry for my English:) !

We really enjoyed and all of us busy. I’m so proud of you. Thanks. Xxx

This has really connected me back to my mum. I remember her trying to teach me and my sister to sew when we were young but we weren’t interested then. Now I get it, and it’s lovely to be reminded of my mum. I’m going to go home and teach my sister how to do this! Thank you for a lovely session.