Embroidery is a universal language 

This interaction of In the Windows brings together work by Longsight-based Women’s Voices sewing group and embroidery from the Platt Hall Collection. 

“The Women’s Voices sewing and embroidery group is led by women for women. We meet weekly in Longsight to learn, share, and spend time together through making. Women’s Voices enables vulnerable Black and Racially Minoritised women to come together in a safe and mutually supportive space. We support each other to build knowledge, skills and confidence, developing relationships that enable women to thrive and engage in community life.” 

Platt Hall’s textile collection includes items from all over the world. Many of these are fragments, acquired over the past century as examples of stitches, techniques and design. Working collectively with Women’s Voices is enabling us to learn more about them together. 

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​It’s important for people not to lose who they are and where they come from. The things I have made are part of my identity and I want to share this with the local community. Making things can make us happy and improve confidence. When we are appreciated it gives us a lot of joy. Women's voices member

Embroidery by Women's Voices and from the Collection