BBC Blast

When the BBC Blast on Tour came to Folkestone Harbour over the May Bank Holiday weekend, Strange Cargo hosted a one-day workshop for young people aged 13 to 19.

Inspired by the work of contemporary German artist Boris Hoppek, Strange Cargo artists Greg Stobbs and Richard Orasinski demonstrated techniques for creating funky little dolls from sewn textiles.

From the moment the doors opened at 10 am, the room was filled with eager makers, both boys and girls, showing that gender is no barrier when it comes to sewing. Everyone had the chance to create at least one fabric doll character during the day. Even though most of the participants had never picked up a needle and thread before, they quickly learned the design and sewing skills needed to make their dolls. They cut patterns, sewed, and embellished their creations, proudly taking them home afterward.

The feedback from the young participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many surprised by their own ability to create an object from what initially seemed like a confusing pile of material, thread, and buttons.