UJPO Needleworkers Circle

UJPO & Textile Museum Canada proudly present...

Needleworkers Circle: Make Your Own Challah or Matzah Cover!

In this series of six workshops, students will plan and create a challah or matzah cover, using their choice of embroidery, appliqué and patchwork techniques. Studying historic needlework and other craft techniques from the Jewish diaspora, participants can draw inspiration for their creations. Students will discuss and select symbols and themes they would like to feature on their challah/matzah covers. While stitching, thought will be given to the labour history of domestic needlework and the industry of fashion in Jewish history, and globally. The Needleworker’s Circle will be a space to talk through issues of diasporism, assimilation, and liberation across generations. 

Sessions will be 2 hours in length.

Sessions will run on a weekly basis, beginning mid-January from 2:00 – 4:30 pm. 

Sundays- January 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 and March 1.

It is encouraged that participants use second-hand or re-used materials. A variety of fabric, thread and equipment will be provided by the Textile Museum of Canada “Re-Use Program”. Depending on the complexity of projects, some homework may be required.

Open to all skill levels, with instruction provided by our Educator Alison. 

Alison Moule’s bio: 

Alison Moule (she or they) is a textile-maker, museum-worker and sometimes-writer from Toronto (or rather Jewishly, from North York). Always with a project ongoing, Alison sews, quilts, knits, crochets, and weaves. She has researched historic Jewish textiles from around the diaspora, and is always eager to learn more. She works in conservation and collections care in museums, when work is to be found. She is currently the Conservation Project Manager at the Textile Museum of Canada.