A group of 16 women from Dungog and across the Hunter took part in a Creative Patchwork workshop.

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Patchwork was once a means of using up fabric scraps or salvaging parts of worn-out clothing and household items.

Nowadays it is a growing fashion trend and hobby.

It is also a possible way to recycle some of the many tonnes of fabric which head to landfill each year.

The workshop, organised by Dungog Arts Society, was funded with a microgrant from Arts Upper Hunter and the state government.

Participants attended and were supplied with materials for free.

Dungog designer and business owner Brenda Burgess was the tutor.

Brenda demonstrated her unique methods of cutting, arranging and joining small, geometric fabric shapes.

These pieces were combined with a contrasting background fabric.

The results can be turned into quilts, bags and other items.

One patchwork method, “paper piecing”, is a traditional method of creating fabric shapes.

In contrast, Brenda’s templates are durable, use no paper and allow for the creation of perfectly pieced work.

Each of the workshop participants received a Flip la K template and a batik “jelly roll” of fabric in colours of their choice.

Brenda said that she thought the workshop went “exceptionally well”.

“Some of the younger ones who haven’t attended previously had picked the process up very quickly.”

The group also enjoyed the homemade scones and lemon curd which were supplied for morning tea.

More artists and artisans applied to attend the popular workshop than there were places available.

There will be more textile art and creative patchwork workshops run by Dungog Arts Society in 2025.

By Lisa WISEMAN