Join us every third Wednesday of each month, March–November 2026
This beautiful slow stitching workshop at the Saltwater Freshwater Gallery is the perfect way to unplug and breathe. It is all about embracing the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-sabi, which is just a lovely way of seeing and appreciating the immense beauty in things that are imperfect, unfinished, and completely unique.
If you have been feeling the weight of a crazy world, this morning is designed to be the perfect antidote. There is zero pressure to make something flawless and finished. Instead, you get to treat your fabric like a blank canvas, your needle like a paintbrush, and your thread like ink, letting your hands do the talking while your mind finally gets a chance to rest.
Whether you are a total beginner who has never picked up a needle or a seasoned sewer looking for a quiet space to sew, you will fit right in. We will practice some simple, foundational hand stitches and explore slow stitching to create from scratch or to enhance or visibly repair existing items in a completely sustainable way. If you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed by where to start, you can just glance around the gallery and let the incredible artworks fill you with inspiration. It is a wonderfully supportive space to learn, play with colour, and stitch purely for the joy of it.
You will walk away feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply inspired.
All materials are supplied, but we always encourage sewers to bring along their own textile bits and bobs, those sentimental scraps you just cannot bring yourself to throw away or items that you want to breathe new life into through embellishing or mending.
Workshop Focus
Sessions 1–3
Participants will explore hand sewing techniques using reclaimed and scrap fabrics and materials.
Sessions 4–6
Participants will experiment with embroidery and/or jewellery making using reclaimed, repurposed and recycled materials.
Workshops may include project-based activities ranging from small handmade items to larger wearable or decorative creations inspired by sustainable making and creative reuse.
Details
Workshop Dates
- Wednesday 17 June 2026
- Wednesday 15 July 2026
- Wednesday 19 August 2026
- Wednesday 16 September 2026
- Wednesday 21 October 2026
- Wednesday 18 November 2026
18+ | Bookings essential
What’s Included
- Chair Tai Chi wellbeing session
- Guided gallery experience
- Hands-on creative workshop
- Use of workshop tools and materials
- Reclaimed and recycled materials for creating
- Small group tuition and creative support
- Safe, welcoming and inclusive environment
About the Facilitators
Nanette Backhouse
Nanette brings extensive experience in costume design, fabrication, graphic design and sustainable creative making practices. Her international career has included work with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop in London, as well as productions including Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Farscape and Star Wars: Episode II. She has also contributed to couture work for designers including John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier. With a passion for op-shopping, creative reuse and accessible making, Nanette’s workshops encourage participants to transform reclaimed and everyday materials into unique handmade creations in a warm and supportive environment. Her workshops combine technical skills with a warm and supportive approach, creating accessible creative experiences for participants of all skill levels.
Pamela Anthony
Pamela facilitates the Chair Tai Chi Relaxation component of the program, dedicated to the healing of body, mind and spirit. Her gentle and accessible Tai Chi sessions are designed to support relaxation, mindfulness, balance and wellbeing, creating a calming foundation for participants before moving into the creative workshop experience. Suitable for all experience levels, the sessions encourage participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect through mindful movement and reflection.
Presented by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance
Supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
The Gallery
6 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450