Making Place Irregular News: May 23

Hi all 
I'm writing this while listening to the Blue Tit chicks who have hatched this week in our little bird house.  Ma & Pa Tit moved in before I'd had the chance to renovate their broken roof and repaint back in April.  We then had epic rain storms where their new dwelling was battered, splattered, blown and smashed against the wall.  Having survived that, they realised they'd moved in next to a drum studio - our garage where they hang is where my son practices.  The fact that they chose to stay anyway fills me with joy - they are clearly raising Rock Chicks!  Their house will definitely get a Mending Makeover as soon as the Rock Chicks have fledged.

With nature bursting forth all around I've been excited to see & hear about nature inspired M&M projects underway.  Petals have been pounded to make prints; there has been forest-based mindful photography; cordage from nettle stems; nature inspired felting.  Brilliant!

A small band of Makers & Menders went on a Road Trip to Cheltenham this weekend.  Research was on our minds as we visited the Mimmo Studios monthly Clothes Swap.  Not only did we all secure some lovely swaps to revamp our wardrobes but we also picked up lots of ideas to inform the Clothes Swap Taster that will be part of the Craftival event at New Brewery Arts this summer.  More about that to come nearer the time.

With Making & Mending in mind, we also ventured over to The Wilson Art Gallery where a fabulous crew of young activists from Planet Cheltenham were inspiring all comers with mending techniques that we can all use to keep our clothes out of landfill, and re-energise much loved items.   Inspired by the Planet Cheltenham Youth Group I'll be bringing along my Sashiko needles and thread to start a mend on a pair of jeans when we meet.....

.....which could be really soon!  Our next Makers & Menders session is this coming Saturday 27th May, setting up from 1.30 and running until 4.30pm at Stratton Village Hall.

As always, if you'd like to come along you are hugely welcome.  Bring a project if you are working on something, or come along and see what others' are up to.  I'll have materials to play with, tools to try and a 'Recycle/Reuse Project of the Month' to have a go at if you fancy it.  

Can't wait to see you Makers & Menders! 
With love
Jay xx

PS One of my favourite macrame supply shop is closing down (boooo) which means there is 60% off all stock at the moment (hooraaaay) Here's the link if you are interested: Artsy Northeast

Micro training: Macrame string, cord, rope or braid?
Macrame String - Single strand that isn't 'plied' (plied is where 2 or more strings are twisted together).  Best for small projects like jewellery and weaving e.g. for the warp threads.
Macrame Cord - Plied to form a thicker strand, usually in varying widths.  Good for detailed hangings and for brushing out into a fringe.
Macrame Rope - Thicker than Cord, usually 2, 3 or 4-ply (i.e. 2, 3 or 4 cords plied together).  Good for heavier pieces that are weight bearing e.g. seats, lampshades.  Will fray.
Braided Cord - fibres are woven into a cord that won't fray or unravel.  Holds it's structure well, easy to tie and untie without loosing the structure of the cord, but rubbish if you want a fringe.