Time: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Cost: Free
When HYCC first advertised this as a five-week course, the tagline was "preserving North East culture by passing on traditional skills". Now, clippy mats (or proggy mats, or raggy mats, or rag rugs — depending on where you come from), are certainly not exclusive to the North East of England. Their history goes back many years, long before recycling, repurposing and 'upcycling' were fashionable; indeed, even before 'make do and mend' was a popular phrase. Their creation does, however, tend to be a working class tradition: a way of making use of old, worn-out and frayed clothes, curtains and bedding to produce bright coloured rugs to put in front of the fireplace.
HYCC initially ran three five-week courses (although once people had joined in, they tended to stay!) and, now that these have ended, clippy mat making has become a regular weekly activity based on group learning and support. The basic skills, including design and finishing, are easy to learn and very popular.
As a result, the class has become a fledgling social enterprise. With funding from Awards for All, the Centre's disused basement room is being refurbished to create a workshop and sales space for the brand new 'Hole in the Wall Enterprises'. In addition, one of the ladies, who is wheelchair-bound and only has full use of one hand, has sold what was only her second wall-hanging for £120; and the group has been commissioned by Durham Heritage Coast to create a large mat for display purposes.
It is hoped to go into local schools and groups to pass on the general principles, as all of our learners now feel confident in their skill levels, thus ensuring that a dying art can achieve a new revitalisation.
Anyone who would like to learn this old skill is welcome to come along and learn from people who are swiftly becoming masters of their craft. If you're not interested in learning the crafting side of things, we always need donations of old clothes, bedding etc. — even if it's too far gone to give away to charity, material can always be salvaged and used as part of a design.
Who knows? Like the underwear of a certain member of the Centre's Management Committee, your tatty old clothes could become part of a piece of unique, artisan textile work. See?… Even traditional skills can be given a trendy new name!
Time: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Cost: £3.00 per session, including all materials
This group aims to provide a crafty, creative pastime for anyone who is interested, although the group is primarily for those who are isolated because of illness or recovery, bereavement or loneliness. It is the social aspect of the group which is emphasised — make new friends at the same time you are making beautiful new creations! Like the FAB Club and Luncheon Club, it is independent of HYCC and is self-funding.
All materials, including card, accessories, and trimmings, are included in the session price and the activity is based on group support and welcoming informality.
If you're interested in this, please come along on a Tuesday morning for a chat with Mary Cartwright, who facilitates the group sessions, or leave your details with the Centre office.
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Company Number: 6465699 — Charity Commission Number: 1124135
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