Hand-Sewing Workshop at Kamera Obscura: Create Your Own Drawstring Bag
Come and discover the quiet pleasure of making something slowly, by hand.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll create your own simple drawstring bag using only a needle, thread and fabric — no sewing machine required.
The workshop is not about recreating a Kamera Obscura design. Instead, it offers an introduction to the process of making by hand and the creative philosophy behind Martine Abate’s practice: working slowly, exploring colour and texture, and enjoying the satisfaction of creating something personal with your own hands.
Example; item produced by one of our attendees
- Duration5 hours
- Cost£120 per person
- Group size6-8 participants
- ExperienceComplete beginners are welcome
About Martine Abate and Kamera Obscura
The workshop is led by Martine Abate, founder and designer of Kamera Obscura, an independent London-based creative brand.
Martine Abate designs clothing, bags and accessories. Her practice is rooted in a love of fabric, colour, texture, individuality and the process of making.
Her work explores the relationship between design and personal expression, with each piece developed as part of the distinctive Kamera Obscura collection.
These workshops grew from Martine Abate’s desire to share another side of that creative process: the simple pleasure of working with your hands, slowing down and discovering what can happen when you give yourself time to make.
The workshop is an introduction to hand sewing and creative exploration rather than a class in reproducing pieces from the Kamera Obscura collection.
You can discover more about Martine Abate’s work and the Kamera Obscura collection at www.kameraobscura.com.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Process
Hand sewing has a very different rhythm from everyday life.
The repeated movement of the needle through the fabric can help you slow down, focus on the present moment and naturally switch off from the busyness of daily life.
For those who find traditional meditation difficult, stitching can offer another way into that sense of stillness and concentration — a gentle, creative approach to mindfulness through making.
There is no pressure to be perfect or to work quickly.
You’ll be encouraged to take your time, enjoy each stitch, experiment and allow your hands and imagination to guide you.
Once you find your rhythm, hand stitching can become wonderfully absorbing.
What You Will Make
During the workshop, you’ll create your own hand-sewn drawstring bag.
The design is intentionally simple, giving you space to concentrate on the hand-stitching process, experiment with colour and make choices that feel personal to you.
The aim is for everyone to leave with a completed piece — something unique that you have made yourself and can feel proud of.
Inspiration and Colour Guidance
Samples of finished workshop pieces will be shown to give you an idea of what can be achieved and to provide inspiration for your own project.
A selection of coloured threads will also be presented to help guide you in choosing combinations that work well together.
If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by too many colour choices, this guidance can help you feel more confident while still leaving plenty of room for your own taste and imagination.
Materials
Everything you need for the workshop will be provided, including:
- Fabric
- Wool
- Coloured threads
- Scissors
- Needles
- Pins
All you need to bring is yourself and a willingness to create.
A Small and Personal Workshop
Each session is limited to 6-8 participants.
Keeping the group small is an important part of the workshop, allowing Martine Abate to give individual attention, guidance and encouragement to each person.
Everyone learns at a different pace. Some people may pick up the techniques quickly, while others may need a little more time.
There is no pressure to keep up with anyone else.
Additional guidance and time can be given where needed, because the aim is for each participant to enjoy the process and leave with a finished piece.
Come and learn a simple skill, slow down, experiment with colour and fabric, and enjoy the pleasure of creating something that is entirely your own.
Workshop Details
- Location
- Kamera Obscura
235 Camberwell New Road
London SE5 0TH - Nearest Tube
- Oval
- Buses
- 185 and 36
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Cost
- £120 per person
- Next Session
- Saturday 03 October
- Group size
- 6-8 participants
- Experience level
- Complete beginners are welcome. No previous sewing experience is required.