Derbyshire Makes Festival

Join weavers, designers and textile makers Ruth and Bea from Paradise Mill in Macclesfield for a playful hands-on introduction to Jacquard handweaving, exploring the connection between heritage craft and the origins of computing – and the women whose ideas and labour sit at the heart of both.

Inspired by Ada Lovelace’s insight into the Jacquard loom as a system of coded instructions, the workshop invites participants to see weaving as a language shaped by pattern, repetition and choice. Working with reclaimed yarns using frame looms, you’ll experience the transformation from yarn to fabric – watching structure emerge thread by thread.

Each participant will create a woven element, which will be brought together into a larger shared piece as individual contributions become part of a collective work that echoes the circular, connected spirit of the festival.

No prior weaving experience needed.

Join Jackie as she guides you with a range of hand sewing techniques. You can contribute to a communal piece inspired by wheels by adding your own stitched, appliqued or button circles.

You’ll also have the opportunity to create your own Suffolk Puff brooch to take home. This traditional 17th-century patchwork technique was revived in the 1930s and 40s as a practical way to turn fabric scraps into something useful. A small piece of fabric is cut into a circle, stitched around the edge, and gently gathered—simple, charming, and effective. Suitable for all abilities.

About Jackie:

I have a deep love for fabric, thread, and all things textile. Vintage handmade patchwork holds a special place in my heart—each piece crafted from old dresses, shirts, and pillowcases, carrying its own quiet story. I’m an avid collector of bygone sewing notions, with a growing collection of vintage cloth, wooden bobbins, threads, and treasured knitting patterns. I mainly sew by hand, rarely following patterns—I prefer to let each piece find its own way. I also run local sewing classes and am currently in my ninth year of “Stitching in the Moment,” a daily hand-sewing practice celebrating slow, mindful making.

Try your hand at Dorset or Shirtlace buttons, two historic textile techniques used to create decorative and practical buttons entirely by hand. Visitors will help create a collaborative textile “wheel” inspired by the machinery at Masson Mills and can also start their own small button project, such as a Dorset Cartwheel, Dorset Singleton or Shirtlace button. Materials, guidance and instructions will be provided so participants can finish their button at home if needed.

Sandrine Bramley runs The Frog in the Craft, a one-woman business specialising in heritage button making and hand sewing. She teaches traditional textile button techniques including Dorset and Yorkshire buttons and enjoys helping people discover the joy of making buttons by hand in a mindful way. Sandrine is a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, winner of the 2025-26 Creative Business of the Year award in Michelle Welsh MP’s Small Business Awards and has previously taught heritage craft workshops at Masson Mills.

Try your hand at needle felting and make your very own circular art work. All materials, guidance and support will be provided for you to create your felted circle, which will be yours to take home. You can also contribute to a large felted wheel as part of a group project.

Please note that we will be using very sharp needles which are not suitable for children. Children over 13 are welcome to take part as long as they are accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

About Carol:

I have always loved arts and crafts and their ability to focus and calm the mind. Living in the beautiful Derbyshire Dales I am surrounded by inspiration from nature which I channel into my creations. I am a multi crafter but have developed a special passion for felt making. This diverse craft has many variations from needle felting to wet felting and nuno felting. The ability to transform fluffy fibres into 3D animal sculptures, pictures, bowls, bags, vases, flowers and scarves is truly magical. I believe it is important to keep these ancient techniques alive, but fun to give them a modern twist. I love sharing my crafty passion and offer workshops and demonstrations to groups and individuals throughout the area. Look out for my regular workshops at Masson Mills on the second Tuesday of each month!

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Wild Roots will be introducing you to the art of macramé. You’ll learn a couple of simple knots that form the foundation of this beautiful craft, and once you’ve mastered them you’ll be well on your way to creating your own pieces.

Macramé has a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. The word is thought to come from the Arabic term migramah, meaning “fringe” or “ornamental trimming.” Decorative knotting techniques spread through North Africa and into Europe. Sailors later helped carry the craft across the world, tying intricate knots during long voyages and trading their handmade pieces in ports along the way. Over time, macramé evolved into a widely loved decorative craft, from Victorian lacework to the iconic plant hangers and wall hangings of the 1970s, and today it is enjoying a creative revival.

You’ll be able practice a few key knots, contribute to a collaborative macramé piece, and create your own macramé keyring to take home.

About Wild Roots:

Wild Roots Creative is a social enterprise that brings together craft, conservation, and community to support mental wellbeing. Through creative, hands-on activities in welcoming environments, Wild Roots Creative encourages people to connect with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the calming benefits of making.

Join Sue to weave a ‘Masson revolution’ wheel using old denim and lace. If you have any old denim, such as jeans that are beyond repair, please bring them along to weave into the wheel. Alternatively just bring yourself and use denim bits that I have gathered together. If you would rather “weave” your own small piece to take home you can do this too using Masson spun cotton yarn, but again if you have personal yarns that you would like to use then feel free to do so.

About Sue:

I am a weaver, artist and researcher. I have spent the last three years studying Masson Mills through weaving, walking, reading and talking.