‘There is space for everyone around the table’

A giant hand-dyed, embroidered and appliquéd tablecloth is being created for a special community gathering and picnic.

The Gather Round textile project has been spearheaded by Greywood Arts, with workshops held on upcycling heirloom fabrics, natural indigo dyeing techniques, embroidery and raw edge appliqué during the month of August.

Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director at Greywood Arts, explained: “This gorgeous project is all about bringing people together, exploring why we gather and how we connect with one another. Over a series of workshops, we have really enjoyed a creative journey, from gathering special fabrics and giving them a new lease of life to reflecting on the stories of heirloom objects passed on through the years.

“Through our dyeing and embroidery workshops, we have begun to create a new story, where there is space for everyone around the table. The Gather Round celebration in the woods marks harvest time, and will be the first of many gatherings, as the tablecloth grows in size.”

With more than 40 people enjoying the creative workshops at Greywood Arts, the newly created community tablecloth already measures 3 metres x 4 metres in size, and it continues to grow as a wonderful array of different fabrics, textures, threads are worked together to create this truly special tablecloth. Envisioned to reach more than 8 metres in length, Greywood Arts will be offering further hand-stitching workshops that bring together craft and socially engaged art.

The Gather Round picnic will follow the walk and begins at 6.30pm on Sunday 24 August. It’s one of a range of activities organised by Greywood Arts to mark both Heritage Week and Cork Craft Month.