Reflecting on the Project

This project has been a really meaningful journey for me. Tactile Connections started with interest and research in texture and touch and the ways textiles can be used for more than just function or aesthetics. It has grown into something much more about community, emotional well-being, and shared making. Working closely with the Lucky Ewe community taught me a lot about the value of co-design: about listening, adapting, and designing in direct response to the needs of the people the work is intended for. Seeing how the group engaged with the materials and took pride in the final outcomes made me realise just how important tactile, hands-on processes can be in supporting emotional connection and building a sense of belonging.

Looking ahead, I feel there’s space for this kind of work within areas like arts for health (social prescribing), sensory design spaces, and community-led creative projects. I’m still exploring exactly where I fit, but I’m interested in continuing to develop work that combines textiles, well-being, and participation. I would love to find ways to bring tactile environments into community organisations, healthcare settings, and public spaces where sensory experiences could offer comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging. This project has proven to me how powerful slow making and shared creativity can be and I hope to keep learning, growing, and working with others to create spaces that support emotional well-being through textiles.