Hoop & Fred

Hi, I'm StephieI'm an embroidery artist and creative based in Manchester. I create art inspired by the natural and the Man(chester) made and I am passionate about encouraging others to explore and embrace their own creativity.I know, sounds cheesy right? But what does it actually mean?Well let me tell you a bit about my background and hopefully, it will all make sense...My love affair with embroidery began during the first lockdown, in March 2020. Like the majority of people I was struggling, not only with finding something to fill the day but also with my anxiety and mental health. I have always been a creative person, but suddenly all my usual outlets just would not engage my brain. I'd sit down to write and I'd find myself doom scrolling. I'd pick up a book, and find myself switching Netflix on... again. I'd pick up my camera and realise I had nothing to photograph.And my number one creative outlet? The thing I'd spent my entire life working towards? The thing I was proud to have made my dream job? Theatre... well, that was a no go.For over ten years I have worked as a creative producer, specialising in community-driven events. I know, another sentence that sounds grandiose. Basically, I've spent ten years working with people and communities, to create art, theatre and literature events with them at the heart of it. Taking all those things about "the arts" that make people feel excluded and trying my best to break them down. I don't believe that you should need a degree, or a six-figure bank account to enjoy, appreciate and take part in art. I believe our lives are better when they involve art and creating. And I believe the arts are better when they involve as many people as possible.Am I going off on a bit of a tangent?Possibly, but there are three very important things about my day job that you need to know, to understand where Hoop & Fred came from:1. I never want to make art that is simply admired, I always want to encourage people to get involved and try themselves2. I know first-hand how powerful making time for creativity can be for our mental health and well being3. After ten years of working on all sorts of arty projects, when lockdown came, I was well stocked. Not in loo rolls or pasta, but in a whole range of craft supplies.Luckily... that included a set of cheap embroidery hoops and a box full of threads.And so I finally found something that my brain would engage in, and I started to manage my anxieties about the world, one stitch at a time, and since then I haven't stopped. I LOVE running workshops and sharing the joy of stitching and creating with other people. I have over ten years of experience in running various art workshops and community engagement projects, and I am passionate about encouraging others to explore and embrace their own creativity. I want you to leave a Hoop & Fred workshop feeling empowered to create. Maybe you'll fall head over heels with embroidery like I did, or maybe you'll just feel better for having spent a couple of hours trying your hand at something arty and leave feeling confident enough to try other new things. All my workshops are suitable for beginners, and I make sure that everyone has the time to ask questions and get the one-to-one tuition they may need. I also provide all the materials you need, including full stitch and pattern guides, so that you can complete your project at home.I have a whole range of workshop styles and designs for you to choose from, or can even create something bespoke for you!