As part of Made in the Middle we have been collecting stories of making in the Midlands that are influenced by migration.

We met with ‘everyday makers’ who craft for themselves, making at home, in a local studio or with a community. Through jewellery, pottery, crochet, textiles, blacksmithing and batik, their work celebrates the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Midlands. It highlights how craft skills that migrate with the makers influence creativity.

We met makers of South American, African, Caribbean, South Asian and East Asian heritage. They tell of a love for making and craft. Whether self-taught, passed down through family or shared within their community. It has been a privilege to work with them to weave together a rich tapestry of stories across the Midlands.

Ravinder Tagga, manager of the DOSTI group tells us about the women that meet weekly in Alum Rock. Meaning friendship, the DOSTI members make and share their skills in knitting, crochet, embroidery and paper flowers. To read a transcript of this interview, head to our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠.

Podcast created by Hayley Salter.