This CEMENT Side by Side project was lead by Artist/facilitators Caroline Shimmons and Rory O’Loughlin.
“What an incredible group and an inspiring project! We managed to achieve so much, though we all agreed that more time would have been a bonus”, said Caroline Shimmons.
These Artist/facilitators and the Focus Club kicked off the project by pulling flax that had been grown in raised beds owned by the group. This was followed by drop spinning some treated flax kindly provided by a Men’s Shed that Caroline has been collaborating with in Newtown. From there, they moved on to learning how to weave on peg looms, focusing on creating neck warmers as part of their social enterprise initiative. It’s wonderful to see the group now partnering with a local Men’s Shed to craft their own looms—a brilliant way to ensure the project continues to grow.
To top it off, the group has decided to take part in the Trash Fashion Show coming up later this Spring, choosing “superheroes” as their theme. It’s the perfect way to channel their creativity, skills, and teamwork into something fun and impactful. Such an inspiring group and an amazing project. Both Rory and Caroline say that they have also learned so much from the group and are looking forward to working with them all again in the preparation to the big Show.