What is Knotting Together: Holding Space in Leigh Park?
Knotting Together is a free community project that brings people together through macramé to create something beautiful. Together, we'll learn, make and create a welcoming space where everyone can participate in the way that feels right for them.
Launching in August 2026, the Knotting Together project is run by me, Dr Tara Goddard, in partnership with Making Space for Crafts Ltd & is funded by the Arts Council England.
My ambition with this project is to work with 32 Black adults living or working in Hampshire to:
Launching in August 2026, the Knotting Together project is run by me, Dr Tara Goddard, in partnership with Making Space for Crafts Ltd & is funded by the Arts Council England.
My ambition with this project is to work with 32 Black adults living or working in Hampshire to:
- Teach them basic macramé knots (or help them remember/develop their current macramé skills)
- Create a large macramé piece together
- Talk with them about how they are feeling living in Hampshire, in light of the current societal and political environment
- Exhibit or display our finished work in Leigh Park
Who is Knotting Together for?
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Knotting Together is for Black adults living or working in Hampshire.
It's for you if you would like:
You simply need to be curious, willing to give it a try and open to spending a little time making something with others. Together, we'll learn, make, share stories if we choose to, and create something that carries the experiences, perspectives and creativity of many people. |
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What does that all mean? What should I expect?
Starting in September 2026, you can join me as an individual or a small group (bring a friend or two along) in my craft studio at Making Space,and over
a two-hour session:
There is no pressure to talk about personal experiences. Some people may want to share their thoughts and experiences. Others may simply want to learn macramé, meet people and enjoy making something together. Both experiences are welcome.
a two-hour session:
- I will teach you one or two macramé knots while you create something for yourself
- You will use your new skills to add to the large collaborative macramé artwork for exhibition
- We will have a chat, share tea/coffee and maybe cake (I think everything is better with cake, but I know not everyone can enjoy it)
- Knowing me there may also be music playing in the background
There is no pressure to talk about personal experiences. Some people may want to share their thoughts and experiences. Others may simply want to learn macramé, meet people and enjoy making something together. Both experiences are welcome.
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What is macramé?Macramé is the craft of creative knotting.
The video here demonstrates two of the first knots you learn. Using a variety of knots with macramé you can create patterns and wide and varied list of items such as plant hangers (some people associate macramé with these), key rings, wall hangings, coasters, decorations and so much more. Don't worry if you've never tried macramé before. I'll teach you everything you need to get started. |
What makes this important? Why this project?
I really enjoy macramé for several reasons. It’s mindful. That is when I am working alone, it allows me to just be. It gives me space to think; I can clarify my thoughts & feelings while I get into the rhythm of knotting and creating something that can be both beautiful and useful.
I have also found it easier to have some of the more difficult and/or emotional conversations with others while doing macramé. It’s like sitting in the car, when I practice macramé while chatting with others, I am focused on what I am doing with my hands, less focused on the fear of judgement and criticism and this allows me to be more open and honest.
I want to create spaces for Black adults in Hampshire to experience some of these same benefits.
As a Black Caribbean woman living in the UK, I have been the only Black person in a room, wondered if someone in the room is an ally and more recently been concerned about whether or not I am welcome in the room. I also know how much having space to think and the freedom to be open and honest has helped me process my feelings about those experiences and what is happening around me. Particularly, the increasing racial tension, and feelings of not being welcome.
I want to provide spaces for Black people; where we create something together that we can share with others when finished and can benefit from the mindful practice of macramé (lower stress, boost wellbeing, regulate emotions). A space where they feel welcome and are free to discuss their experiences (or not).
I have also found it easier to have some of the more difficult and/or emotional conversations with others while doing macramé. It’s like sitting in the car, when I practice macramé while chatting with others, I am focused on what I am doing with my hands, less focused on the fear of judgement and criticism and this allows me to be more open and honest.
I want to create spaces for Black adults in Hampshire to experience some of these same benefits.
As a Black Caribbean woman living in the UK, I have been the only Black person in a room, wondered if someone in the room is an ally and more recently been concerned about whether or not I am welcome in the room. I also know how much having space to think and the freedom to be open and honest has helped me process my feelings about those experiences and what is happening around me. Particularly, the increasing racial tension, and feelings of not being welcome.
I want to provide spaces for Black people; where we create something together that we can share with others when finished and can benefit from the mindful practice of macramé (lower stress, boost wellbeing, regulate emotions). A space where they feel welcome and are free to discuss their experiences (or not).
Who am I?I have already said a lot about me, without actually introducing myself.
Hi, I’m Tara, Dr Tara Goddard. I moved to the UK from Barbados in 2013 to complete my PhD and somewhere along the way Hampshire became my third home (Glasgow will always be my second). I play many roles; maker, coach, educator and facilitator are some of the more professional ones. Whether I'm running a workshop, coaching someone through a challenge or knotting macramé cord, I enjoy creating spaces where people (including me) feel welcomed, valued and able to be themselves. There is more about me on the About Me page, but I'm always happy to share more when you join me for Knotting Together. |
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What happens next?After you register your interest, I'll send you a short email to say hello, answer any questions you may have and tell you more about the official launch of the project.
The launch event will take place in August 2026 at Making Space in Leigh Park. There will be cake, a little talk and we can start a collaboartive piece. Individual Knotting Together sessions will begin in September 2026. I'll contact you to arrange a suitable time for you (and any friends you would like to attend with). Travel support is available for participants who need assistance getting to and from the studio. Don't worry, there is no obligation to take part by registering your interest. |
