Walk and Stitch Project
The Walk and Stitch project, part of Transport for West Midlands 'Cycling for Everyone' Program, brought together walking and creativity to encorage Birmingham communities to use healther modes of transport. Participants strolled through local green spaces, sketching what they saw and turning those sketches into cool embroidered badges and motifs that represented the things they enjoyed on their jorney. This fun encouraged health, creativity, and community spirit, giving people new skills while keeping them connected to their local areas.
"I haven't been this creative since school!" Sofiea
Walsall art Gallery
The first set of workshops part of our ‘Walk & Stitch’ project were held @thenewartgallerywalsall: ‘Walsall Nature Badges’.
Participants created beautiful, embroidered, collage badges inspired by Walsall Area!
Willenhall Memorial Park
"I really enjoyed it! There should be more of this kinda thing! Can we come tomorrow?" Tina
Second phase of walk and Stitch - A Creative Journey Through Nature
As part of the Cycling for Everyone initiative, Walk and Stitch encouraged communities in the West Midlands to explore their local green spaces through guided walks and creative expression. Participants from diverse backgrounds engaged in sketching the world around them, later transforming their drawings into beautiful textile maps through embroidery. This project inspired new connections, improved well-being, and fostered a sense of pride in reclaiming local nature. Walk and Stitch also served as a gateway to other Cycling for Everyone activities, promoting sustainable transport and community togetherness.
Walk and Stitch Walsall Arboretum
"I'm really Happy!"Elsie
The second workshop took place in the picturesque Walsall Arboretum. Alongside the workshop, free cycle training sessions were offered, where many children had the exciting experience of learning to cycle for the first time!
Artists on the Project
Walk and Stitch was made up of artists who all have a passion for Textiles, the team worked to bring this project to life with their dedication!
Tia Parmar
Lead Artist
& co-creator
Annette Ratti
Project Manager
& co-creator
Jade Durling
Lead Artist
Sara Mia
Volunteer
Project Assets and Media
Cycle? Walk? Art. Exhibition @Gallery 0192, BBC News Report Embroidery Magazine.
Thanks and Acknowledgements:
Makers Circle would like to thank and acknowledge the following: • Thanks to Alice Travellian at Transport for Birmingham and Lauren Hoyle at the WMCA • Artist Team: Annette Ratti, Tia Parmar and Jade Durling. • Volunteer Team: Sara Mia • Photographer: Hayley Salter. • The New Walsall Art Gallery • Willenhall Memorial Park • Walsall arboretum • Bag Lord at Gallery 0192 for hosting the 'Cycle? walk? Art' Exhibition.