Past Programs

Sew Together Program 

Sew Together, initially launched as a partnership between Li-Ve Tasmania and us in late 2020, has evolved into a cornerstone of our mission. This ongoing initiative provides Tasmanians with disabilities an opportunity to sew while enhancing their mental well-being. By fostering personal resilience and community connections, Sew Together plays a vital role in our business.

Recognizing the mental health benefits of sewing, we address barriers such as cost and accessibility with free, skill-friendly workshops. Participants engage in fulfilling projects within an inclusive and supportive environment, making sewing accessible to all.

Since its inception, our Sew Together workshops have welcomed many inspiring participants. As the program has grown, we've had the joy of teaching returning attendees, witnessing their skills and confidence flourish—this is what drives us.

Funded through community support and grants from the City of Hobart, we invite you to contribute to this important program. Donations can be made on our Chuffed Page, at checkout on our website, or in our Sew Together donation jar in-store.

Our workshops are hosted in various accessible locations around nipaluna/Hobart, adapting to community needs and overcoming the limitations of our permanent classroom through a mobile classroom model.

Kids’ Textile Sculpture Courses 

Since 2022, we have successfully run three Kids’ Textile Sculpture courses.  This eight-week program, aimed at children aged 10-18, fosters a supportive creative community where participants can explore three-dimensional textile art and discover their unique artistic voices.

Each week, students engage in fun activities that enhance their creative thinking skills while working individually on their designs and final sculptures. A core objective of the course is to provide children with the freedom to explore their ideas and passions, giving them the creative agency to engage with themes that excite them.

The diversity and depth of sculptures created by our students over the three courses have been truly inspiring. In 2022, their works responded to the theme "home," while in 2023, they explored "in my dreams." The 2022 artworks were showcased in a public exhibition at KIN Creative Space in Kingston, celebrating their talent and achievements. Additionally, sculptures from both years were featured in the public Quilt exhibition by Island Quilts at Craft Alive 2023.

Sound 2 Sculpture 

Sound 2 Sculpture was a collaboration between us, the City of Hobart, and artist Jon Smeathers. In this unique workshop, students aged 8 and up were guided through a creative process, brainstorming colors, textures, materials, shapes, and ideas in response to a sonic stimulus—a sound piece created by Jon. Participants crafted small soft sculptures that were later displayed at the Ability to Create Exhibition 2023.

Designed to provide a sensory art-making experience, the three-hour workshop aligned with the theme of ABTC 2023: “Elevate: rising above for a future Hobart.” Students were challenged to create intergalactic and futuristic-themed soft sculptures, fostering an exciting intersection of sound art and textile art.

The Ability to Create (ABTC) exhibition, established in 2013, was initiated when community member Freddy Lee-Mount approached the City of Hobart. These exhibitions serve as a platform to enhance a sense of place, nurture creativity, celebrate artistic excellence, and connect creative individuals (City of Hobart, 2023).

Sewing Workshop for Cancer Support

In January, we hosted a special sewing workshop designed for anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis. This event welcomed carers, those diagnosed, children affected by the circumstances, and anyone touched by bereavement.

Participants joined us on January 20th from 9 AM to 12 PM at Frangipani Fabrics, 313a Elizabeth Street, North Hobart, for a fulfilling session of festive sewing crafts. Attendees explored their creativity while crafting beautiful projects, finding respite from the challenges of cancer and connecting with a supportive community.

The workshop provided a nurturing environment, open to all affected by cancer. We were grateful to create a space where creativity flourished and connections were made.