RICAMI

Tower Hamlets, London · In progress

RICAMI is a series of embroidery-based workshops for new mothers experiencing isolation, postnatal stress, and emotional transition.Through slow, collective making, participants explore care, fatigue, identity, and belonging - using textiles as a language to process and share lived experience.

No prior experience is needed. Babies are welcome.

Our Vision

RICAMI emerges from a simple observation: early motherhood can be profoundly isolating, even within densely populated urban contexts. The project creates a gentle, accessible space where women can gather with their babies and engage in creative practice without pressure or expectation. Drawing from traditions of textile-making as both domestic labour and political expression, embroidery is used here as a tool for reflection, connection, and quiet resistance.

What RICAMI Mamas Are Saying

  • Ricami was the most wonderful and unique session I attended during my maternity leave. I was searching for a space where I could feel stimulated and learn as well as be around other parents and babies. It has ignited a passion for embroidery and I now practice it multiple times a week at home when I’m looking for a moment of mindfulness. The kindness and generosity of Gloria who runs the sessions is unmatched, I feel so incredibly grateful to have met her.

    — Francesca (& little Arden)

  • Ricami has been such a wonderful way to connect with other new mums while taking a little time to do something just for myself. I was quite nervous because I’m definitely not a creative person and had absolutely no experience with embroidery, but Gloria made everyone feel so welcome that those worries disappeared almost immediately. The sessions were relaxed, inclusive and full of laughter, and I genuinely looked forward to them every week. Gloria has such a radiant, joyful energy and a real gift for making everyone feel at ease. I can’t wait to see what she has planned next for the mothers of East London!

    — Flora (& little Willa)

  • Right, I won't beat around the bush...Ricami was my favourite maternity leave activity! It was the only one that I could find centered around creativity and artistic expression where you could bring your baby along. Having a space where you can remove all guilt from carving time for yourself has been so soothing for my guilt-ridden mummy soul.

    It was such a lovely opportunity to be able to focus on my own project while my baby happily crawled around, chat with other mums, get tips from a professional embroidery teacher. I would highly recommend it to all creative mamas 😊

    — Cinzia (& little Giovanni)

  • I just want to share how wonderful RICAMI Group is - and especially Gloria! 🧵✨ Gloria is such a kind, patient and amazing lady. She helps everyone so gently, explains everything clearly, and makes you feel so welcome no matter your skill level. The group itself is such a lovely, warm space to learn, make things and connect with other mums and their little ones. I always leave feeling happier and more confident - thank you Gloria, you’re truly a gem! 💛 Highly recommend to everyone

    — Shahima (& little Marwa)

  • I could not recommend RICAMI enough. We chat, we learn together, we get creative, we laugh! The classes are very relaxed, baby friendly and inclusive. I have made some great friends and learned some new skills too. Thank you Gloria for creating a much-needed creative sanctuary for us all to enjoy!

    — Jess (& little Caspian)

Let’s Stitch Together

If you’d like to join a RICAMI workshop, you’re very welcome to get in touch. You don’t need any experience, and you’re welcome to come with your baby. Just leave your details and we’ll share the next dates and locations with you.

What to Expect

  • An open introduction to basic embroidery techniques and materials. Participants experiment with stitch as a form of mark-making, focusing on rhythm, repetition, and touch rather than precision.

  • A brief reflection on how textiles have been historically linked to gendered labour and domestic spaces. The session invites participants to consider how these associations relate to their own experiences.

  • Participants begin translating personal experiences into visual form using thread, symbols, or words. The focus is on intuitive making rather than representation.

  • An introduction to textiles as a medium for narrative and collective expression. Participants are encouraged to think about what they want to communicate and how personal stories can exist in a shared space.

  • Individual pieces are brought together into a single textile work. The process focuses on composition, connection, and the relationship between individual contributions and the collective whole.

Upcoming Workshops

    • Surrey Docks Farm | Ticketed Event | Book Via Eventbrite

    • Stepney City Farm | Ticketed Event | Book Via Eventbrite

    • Hessel Street Hub (Muslim Charity) | Free for local residents

    • John Smith Family Hub | Free for Mums with Deaf Children

    • Surrey Docks Farm | Ticketed Event | Book Via Eventbrite

    • Stepney City Farm | Ticketed Event | Book Via Eventbrite

    • Hessel Street Hub (Muslim Charity) | Free for local residents

    • John Smith Family Hub | Free for Mums with Deaf Children

Join Our Workshops