Blossoming Bridgwater Workshops with Chloe Haywood

We chat to Chloe Haywood about her upcoming series of workshops “Blossoming Bridgwater” and ways to be involved.

What is Blossoming Bridgwater and why are you involved?

“In 2024, I created a skirt called ContiNEWity for an exhibition entitled Pull My Thread, held at Brantwood House (the former home of John Ruskin 1819–1900), one of the most influential thinkers of the nineteenth century. Ruskin believed that art had the power to transform society and that nature inspired the most meaningful creativity.

This project began as an extension of an earlier skirt design I’d made as a teenager—a patchwork of upcycled vintage fabrics that won me the Young Clothes Show Designer of the Year Award. Each patch in that piece was dedicated to significant individuals in my life at the time.

ContiNEWity was crafted from textile offcuts from the Royal Ballet and Opera—layer upon layer of delicate white tulle, interwoven with flashes of leopard print and metallic linen. The design symbolises my journey from those early years to then meeting my husband, our extraordinary wedding day, the loss of my father, the birth of my children and the profound grief of losing my mother. In response to this loss, I hand-embroidered vintage gold cord through the center of the skirt—the only element not provided by the Royal Ballet and Opera, and one especially dear to me, as it was left to me by my mother.

When SEED Sedgemoor approached me about this project, I was excited by the idea of collaborating with the community—incorporating their thoughts and emotions into their own dramatic skirt. Seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from our first session has been truly thrilling.”

Credit: Chloe Haywood

Why do you think collaboration, in this case with the public, is important in art?

“I’ve been so excited to start workshopping this idea! As an artist, there’s a lot of time spent working alone—which I love, of course—but there’s nothing more inspiring than hearing other people’s viewpoints, seeing their ideas take shape, and watching how they translate inspiration into their own creations. I find that incredibly stimulating as a creative.

This project deeply relies on their input and storytelling, and Bridgwater is such a creative, open-minded space for new ideas. I believe even the smallest pieces of information contribute to a bigger picture, shaping how everyone expresses emotion through the work. That’s why it’s so important to bring as many voices into the process as possible.”

What impact do projects like this have beyond the final piece?

“The beauty of this project is that it has the potential to grow endlessly, fuelled by enthusiasm and the creativity of the community. I can see the skirt and Nurry continuing to highlight Bridgwater’s incredible collaboration well beyond the Gala show in May.

Over the next few months, I’d love to explore opportunities to showcase it at sustainable fashion events and festivals, reaching new audiences beyond Bridgwater who would appreciate both the skirt and the accompanying music. This would then definitely fulfil the brief set by SEED Sedgemoor who commissioned me to design this project. The project aims to actively engage the community of Bridgwater in the creative arts and to explore and develop that creativity while removing barriers and making it accessible for all.”

Credit: Nurry Lee

What can participants expect at the workshops?

“You’ll begin by choosing a word that reflects your overall experience in your environment. We have a selection of words to choose from, but you’re welcome to add your own—the more diverse, the better!

Next, you’ll decide how to embroider your chosen word onto fabric. You can stitch the word itself or create a small illustration if you prefer. Don’t worry—we’ll be there to guide you with tips and tricks to help you get started. You’re welcome to stay for as long or as little as you like. Many of our recent participants have enjoyed sitting in small groups, chatting and reflecting, while others have embraced the peaceful atmosphere, stitching mindfully to the soft sounds of piano music in the background.

Since embroidery can take time, you’re welcome to return later to complete your piece if needed. All we ask is that you add your initial to your ‘petal’ so you can easily identify it. I’m especially excited about one very special workshop where we’ll be joined by Nurry Lee on 8th March (listing in SFW events), who will incorporate the words you select into a unique piano composition. During this session, we’ll still have the chance to embroider, but we’ll also have the opportunity to ask Nurry about her journey from learning piano to becoming an international concert pianist.”

How has working with the Royal Ballet and Opera’s sustainability department influenced the project?

“I feel so privileged to have RBO practically on speed dial! From the start, I’ve been passionate about working with ‘end-of-life’ textiles—initially from a creative perspective, but now more than ever, it feels essential to make use of what we already have rather than relying on new materials.

I often receive small offcuts from the Royal Ballet and Opera wardrobe department, and the best way I saw to maximize their potential was by turning them into appliqué patches. That work led to a dream commission from Manchester Art Gallery, where I was asked to create couture appliqué patches for their shop to complement their exhibition, Unpicking Couture. I carefully selected the finest offcuts of silk, tulle, and organza, enhancing them with silver, rose gold, and gold leaf for a touch of luxury. I’m thrilled to say they sold out very quickly and was always rushing to restock! Since then, I’ve added them to my collection and have been designing even more patch options for mending clothes—I have so many ideas!

Credit: Chloe Haywood

Over time, my relationship with RBO has only grown stronger. Their understanding of my vision has been invaluable in shaping my work. They’re genuinely excited that their offcuts are being repurposed for this community project and are eager to break down barriers between the elite arts and the wider public. Their support has been incredible, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

How does the project encourage environmental responsibility?

“The participants will automatically giving every fabric and thread a story—whether about where it came from or how long it has lasted. By working with these materials, participants naturally become more aware of their choices and learn to appreciate the uniqueness and limited nature of each piece.

Choosing fabrics becomes a thoughtful process since certain offcuts or thread colours may be scarce. This limitation encourages creativity and makes each creation more meaningful. If something doesn’t go as planned, knowing there’s no more of that exact material deepens our appreciation for what we have and reminds us to use resources wisely. Beyond the materials, sewing itself—stitch by stitch—encourages a slower, more mindful approach. As we create, we start to see our surroundings differently, noticing what’s valuable, what’s worth preserving, and what we can’t afford to lose.

In a world full of excess, this project is about more than sustainability—it’s about consciously slowing down, appreciating simplicity, and finding beauty in what already exists.”

What do you hope people take away from Blossoming Bridgwater?

“Everyone who takes part in our workshops will have their work incorporated into the most stunning multi-layered skirt. What’s more, their involvement will also be included in the specially composed piece of music that Nurry Lee will be performing (whilst wearing the skirt). I personally can’t wait to see the work will come alive when Nurry performs at the Fashion event on 30th and 31st May at St Marys Church in Bridgwater. I’m very keen for Nurry to be a part of the congregation so that they become a part of the performance too. It’s their work after all.”

How can people get involved?

“Anyone can come along to our drop in sessions at Angel Place and there are three more intimate sessions at SL-ATE, Mingle Café and Bridgwater Arts Centre which are still free but it’s so important that you book a ticket via Seeds’ Eventbrite to ensure your guaranteed space, as there are limited places. All dates are now listed on Sustainable Fashion Week events and can those FREE tickets can booked via Eventbrite. Look forward to meeting you!”

To learn more about Chloe, head to her website.