This month we are introducing our very first sewing workshop for babies and kids things by the super talented Domino DIY.

After 5 years in Berlin, Domino – DIY aka Anna Rank has moved back to Brighton to run sewing workshops for all things baby and kid related. With exclusively designed patterns ranging from dungarees to leggings, hobby horses to musical stars, changing mats to purses, you are sure to find something to suit your level and taste. The courses are open to anyone whether you have never sat at a sewing machine before, or have been stitching all your life and Anna can advise on suitable projects to begin with.

Courses last for 4 weeks, running on Tuesday mornings from 10 – 1. And the great thing is that you can bring your baby with you. As long as they are not yet on the move (too many attractive pins around) then you can sew with them in a sling or have them lying in the comfy baby zone which is full of soft toys and blankets.

These courses are an opportunity for you to learn something new or perhaps brush up on old skills, but most importantly to do something creative for a few hours each week and make some friends whilst you are at it.

Beginning on the 21st August each course runs from 10 – 1 on four consecutive Tuesday mornings, that’s 12 hours in total. But don’t worry if you have to miss a week you can make up the time on the following course.

The course costs £80 per person. Included in the price are any of the Domino-DIY patterns you wish to make (clothes come in a range of sizes so you can keep on making), tea and coffee, and as much help and support as you need. If you sign up with a friend then you both pay £70 each.

For more information, to have a look at what you can make or to book a place on a course then visit here or email anna@domino-diy.com.

Every month we will be hosting a crafty kids club on a Saturday morning with textiles designer/illustrator and author Catherine Grimaldi.

Think 1970’s kids crafts – swapshop, meets cinema club with a craft inspired and cool collection of activities including the following…

Textile Collage Illustration

Puppet making

Badge making

Sock characters

Embroidery

Drawing on the sewing machine

Pop up books

Speed drawing

Dress up dolls

Super – hero costume making

We had our first class last week and here are some photos of the Superhero puppets that were made…

Aren’t they ace?! The club is suitable for 5-10 year olds and refreshments will be provided. Parents may leave children over eight alone at the club but should be aware that the venue is not providing any official childcare. That said, parents are encouraged to join in and get their craft on!

As a lovely Easter treat we have decided to offer a free taster sesh this Saturday. Come along at 10.30 on Saturday (7th April), tell your pals, bring your kids and let’s make amazing superheros puppets! Hurrah!

Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing you to the fabulous Super+Super tutors. First up is our regular kids club tutor/textiles/illustration extraordinaire, Catherine Grimaldi…

Tell us a little bit about you…

I am a high flying, lo tech artist and illustrator making children’s books and artworks.

I studied Puppetry, Illustration and Textiles at Central St Martins and combine these artforms to make fabric illustrations. Also one half of TheSistersGrim where I work with my real life sister to create pop-up installations using puppets, fabrics and story worlds – juggling and jigging inherited skills from our namesake “Joseph Grimaldi” the clown.

Where do you draw the inspiration for your work from?

I have always loved snoopy and peanuts cartoons – these are a major influence and also mid century children’s books, fabrics and animation.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Kind, happy, funny

How do you take your tea?

Steeped but never stewed – milk but not milky.

What encouraged you to get into your industry and what was your route into it?

I always drew snoopy cartoons as I child and my parents gave us endless time and space to be creative as children on the Isle of Wight.

I left the Isle of Wight when I was just 17 for the heady heights of Harlesden where I got a job in High St Kensington and in the following September was at Art College studying on a course with Grayson Perry’s Mrs. I had a puppet making company with my sister and we travelled across Eastern Europe to study the craft – then skipped onto an MA at Central St Martins through the back door.

How do you like your eggs?

Flipped…preferably by Snoopy…even better in a pancake.

Who are some of your favourite designers/artists/illustrators/authors?

Outsider artists across the world – Children – Yoshitomo Nara – Grayson Perry – Tove Janson – Sara Fanelli -Yayoi Kusama – Frida Kahlo – Charles Schultz

What would your dream outfit be?

A snoopy costume

What can the public expect from your upcoming kids classes at Super+Super?

Colour ,fabrics , scissors, tapes – a toolbox of surprises. Chaotic from the outside – super organized from the inside. A space to be truly creative and a supportive and experienced teacher who’s been working in schools for 12 years.

What’s your favourite cake?

How can anyone have the one? If I have to choose I would say a homemade chocolate cake like my friend Judy’s mum used to make when I was 7 years old

How would you spend your perfect day in our fair city?

Cycling, sea, tea, and kisses – followed by a turn on the waltzer.

 Tell us about any exciting new projects you are planning for 2012..

A couple of new children’s books in the pipeline and a host of projects including snail puppets, shadow shows and as many tea parties in between.

Catherine’s super kids classes will be held every Saturday of the month between 10.30-12noon and you can find out more details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/299801033407055/