Discover stories of 'marginalised' motherhood in literature and history, and reflect on your own experiences of motherhood - whether your children are newborn or you are an 'empty-nester'.
Mothers have often been, and continue to be marginalised: that is, their lives are made harder because of their gender, race, or class, at work, on public transport, or when they try and access health care. But mothers have also fought hard for their rights!
During this workshop, you'll be encouraged to reflect creatively on your experiences, and create a small craft item, drawing or stitching onto a handkerchief a message about motherhood. Full guidance will be provided, whether you’re a brand new or experienced crafter there should be an option for you. Materials will be provided, and you can either take your handkerchief away at the end or contribute it to our ‘washing line’ for display in Worcester later in 2026.
This workshop will be facilitated by Worcester Crafivists alongside Lucy Arnold and Anna Muggeridge from the University of Worcester, who research experiences of motherhood recorded in historical and contemporary archives.
Everyone is welcome to this drop-in session. There will be short talks of around 20 minutes from Dr Arnold at 10:30 and Dr Muggeridge at 12pm, but you are welcome to attend any time between 10 and 1pm, and you don’t need to attend the talks to be involved in the crafting. You can stay for the full three hours, or just drop in for a short while. The crafting activities will be most accessible for those aged 12 and up, but younger children are very welcome and we will bring a selection of colouring in activities. You can bring buggies indoors, and you can leave these at the side of the room (please note no lockable space for these). Baby change facilities are available at the church. We won’t be providing food and drink, but there are a range of cafés within 5 minutes’ walk.