Stratford Cross hosts workshops at the intersection of art & craft by UAL London College of Fashion, V&A Academy and Black Girl Knit Club

Cross the Line: Creative workshops and masterclasses at the intersection of art and craft

‘A line is a dot that went for a walk. A drawing is simply a line going for a walk. Art does not reproduce what we see; rather, it makes us see.’ (Paul Klee, Bauhaus artist)

Stratford Cross, is proud to host five days of creative workshops with UAL London College of Fashion, V&A Academy and Black Girl Knit Club, celebrating imagination and wellbeing. We’ll guide you through the creative practice of ‘taking a line for a walk’, from drawing to embroidery and knitting. Part of the official London Craft Week 2024 programme.

UAL London College of Fashion – Drawing:

Students and academics from LCF’s Fashion Imaging and Illustration degree will introduce you to simple and effective ways to put pencil to paper to observe and record the world around you.

V&A Academy – Embroidery:

Meditative stitching led by award-winning textile artist Ekta Kaul, whose artistic practice focuses on exploring places, histories and belonging through stitched maps. In these conscious sessions, Ekta will guide you through the process of using line to create pattern and shape in stitch, taking inspiration from the environment around you.

Ekta Kaul is an award-winning artist based in London. Her artistic practice focuses on exploring places, histories and belonging through stitch and abstract painting. Her work is held in several notable collections including the Museum of London. Crafts Council, the Gunnersbury Museum, Chiswick Library among others. Ekta is the author of the forthcoming book Kantha : Sustainable Textiles and Mindful Making. She lives and works in London.

Black Girl Knit Club – Knitting:

Create an accessories braided knit piece or tote bag inspired by the work of BGKC. Attendees will explore a variety of different knit stitches, exploring various yarn textures. Workshops will take place in Endeavour Square next to the current BGKC yarn bomb installation currently at Stratford Cross titled ‘Braided Traditions: Common Threads’.

BGKC is an East London knitwear collective, started by friends Sicgmone Kludje & Vea Koranteng. Established in 2019 to promote more diversity in craft, creating a safe and inclusive space for black women to gather, unite, and inspire each other through encouraging hand knitting skills. To develop their creativity whilst equipping the next generation with a new skill.

Developing a personal drawing or creative practice is a well-recognised tool supporting improved mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness and processing of life’s daily events.

Surrounded by the nature and vibrancy of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP), ‘Cross the Line’ at Stratford Cross provides the perfect setting to focus the mind and explore creative expression.

Stratford Cross is a cultural workplace destination at the heart of East London, nestled amongst QEOP, East Bank and an array of shopping, dining and art.

Suitable for all skill levels from the very beginner to the experienced practitioner.

FREE EVENT with limited places, please RSVP below to secure a place!