Upcoming events…
Festive Miniature Pocket Masterclass
Make an ornate festive pocket to share with a loved one
Saturday 21st November 2026 2-6.30pm
Illuminated Arts’ Studio, Bermondsey SE16.
Discover the art of creating a sumptuous decorative tie-on pocket in this festive workshop to design and make a personal heirloom piece. Perfect as a special gift to offer with a personal treasure inside, small enough to hang as an original decoration on a Christmas tree or simply as a pleasurable experience learning new embroidery techniques.
As you stitch we explore the fascinating history of women’s pockets – symbolic of autonomy and empowerment throughout English history. Hear the fascinating stories of how these practical garments echo powerful themes of women’s independence from an era when women had little financial autonomy and pockets were gifted between them.
Your Illuminated Arts hosts, textile-artist-historian Melissa Jo Smith and internationally recognised textile designer Rebecca Cole welcome you to their studio in Bermondsey, a 5 minute walk from Bermondsey underground station. They will guide you through each stage, ending with a personalized pocket to cherish.
- Dive into a sumptuous spread of fabrics, colourful embroidery threads, beads, and trimmings to use and inspire your personal pocket design.
- Enjoy the process of designing your own pocket, inspired by colour, history or a personal story using decorative textile and stitch techniques.
- Explore the technique of using goldwork to create a beautiful pattern or motif on your pocket.
- Learn about the hidden history of women’s tie-on pockets in the 18th and 19th Centuries, how they crossed strata of society, got entangled in politics and contributed to women’s autonomy..
Break for a light afternoon tea, fresh juices, and a glass of wine.
- Complete the decorative embellishments for your pocket
- Build your fully lined pocket, with a beautiful waist-tie.
All materials and equipment included.
Places limited to 8 participants for a really special experience.
The Felt Presence
The Felt Presence is a free, gentle space where people of all ages can come together to explore grief and remembrance through mindful making. Each month we’ll felt and stitch pieces of a Community Grief Blanket, a shared artwork symbolising warmth, care, and memory.
Everyone is welcome, whether your loss is recent or long past, or you’re supporting someone facing illness. You don’t have to be “arty” or talk if you don’t want to. Just come as you are.
A free monthly session (usually on the last Tuesday of the month) at TheHub, Bonar Road, SE15, Peckham.
Pockets Please! Exhibition
Stitching Communities Together
26th September – 20th October 10am – 5pm Mon-Sat
If you missed the Pocket Parade this is the perfect opportunity to see the collection of beautiful historically inspired, personally crafted, tie-on pockets created by members of South East London community groups, talented embroiderers and fashion designers.
At The Hub, Bonar Road, in Peckham we will be showing the living archive of pockets as part of the ongoing Stitching Communities Together project Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
This is the culmination of a series of community textiles workshops linking designers and local community support groups to explore the theme of historical tie-on pockets.
Our ‘Masterclass’ workshops are more intense, and suited to keen makers who wish to explore a new technique or story through creative activity. We focus on the hidden histories behind domestic textiles and women’s history. They support our work in the community by raising much-needed funds.
Recent events…..
Stitch ‘n’ Sip Evening
Sustainable Fashion Week 2026
Wednesday, October 7 • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us for a relaxed, sociable evening of hand embroidery at Illuminated Arts studio in Bermondsey, as part of Sustainable Fashion Week 2026.
Led by internationally recognised textile designer and embroiderer Rebecca Cole-Coker, whose hand-embroidered and block-printed textiles have graced the pages of The World of Interiors, House & Garden and Veranda, and whose work is collected by discerning clients across the interiors world. This hands-on session brings her exquisite eye for pattern, colour and craftsmanship to a small, intimate group.
Using a beautiful curated selection of vintage and antique fabrics and trimmings, you’ll learn a handful of simple, satisfying embroidery stitches to create your own decorative patch, perfect for mending a favourite garment or embellishing something new. No experience necessary: whether you’re picking up a needle for the first time or you’re a seasoned stitcher, Rebecca will guide you at your own pace through an evening of slow, mindful making.
Settle in with a glass of wine, get to know your fellow stitchers, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, plus a new stitch or two in your repertoire.
Historical Pocket Masterclass for Sustainable Fashion Week 2026
30th September 2-6pm
Discover the art of creating a timeless tie-on pocket in this inspiring all-day workshop exploring the fascinating history of women’s pockets – symbolic of autonomy and empowerment throughout English history. As you stitch and share creative ideas, hear the fascinating stories of how these practical garments echo powerful themes of women’s independence.
Learn about the hidden history of women’s tie-on pockets in the 18th and 19th Centuries, how they crossed strata of society, got entangled in politics and contributed to women’s autonomy..
Dive into a sumptuous spread of new and vintage fabrics, colourful embroidery threads, beads, and trimmings to use and inspire your personal pocket design.
Selvedge Magazine – London Textile Month 2026
Make a Historically Inspired Tie-on Pocket
24th September 10.30am – 4pm
A day-long workshop at the Museum of The Home exploring the intimate history of the hussif, a small sewing kit once carried by soldiers as a practical object and a poignant token of care. We will begin with a talk tracing the origins and social significance of these portable sewing cases, before participants are guided through the process of creating their own.
Using a carefully selected range of fabrics and threads, or incorporating personal textile fragments, guests will stitch a beautifully finished hussif that is both functional and deeply personal. The workshop will also introduce hand-stitched monogramming for those who wish to add an individual detail.
Open to all levels, the day offers a thoughtful balance of making, conversation and reflection.
Your day includes materials, tea, coffee and a light vegetarian lunch, with an optional glass of wine, creating a relaxed atmosphere for conversation, connection and the quiet satisfaction of working with needle and thread.
Stitching Communities Together
The Pocket Parade
11th September 2 – 4pm
Greenwich
Get ready for a spectacular in-person experience filled with fashion, music, fun and excitement. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, this event is all about good vibes and great company. Illuminated Arts presents the Pocket Parade, a community runway show, featuring established fashion designers, community participants and emerging designers all together in Greenwich.
This is the culmination of a series of community textiles workshops linking designers and local community support groups to explore the theme of historical tie-on pockets. The designers and community participants have collaborated to create decorative pockets integrated with new fashion concepts alongside the designers own collections on a spectacular runway with live music.