The creative home of Jenny Bennigsen

I am a textiles artist and designer/maker. After spending 20 years home educating my family, I returned to my first love. In 2020 I completed an HNC in Contemporary Constructed Textiles at Bradford School of Art and continued my studies to achieve an FdA in Textiles Practice in 2023. I gained a distinction in all modules.

I recently received the travel award for excellence in textile design from The Bradford Textile Society, as well as winning third prize for my innovative combination of textile processes, in their  national design competition 2021-22. I was also awarded a sponsorship from Madeira for my FdA final collection.

Treadle & Thread is the name of my studio in South Manchester where I create commissions and run workshops for adults and children.

Using free machine embroidery, fabric manipulation and print, I take fading memories and narratives and work them into something new and tangible that can be carried forward into the future. I enjoy historical research and often use a technique called 'material cultural analysis' to gain a deeper understanding of sources of inspiration. With a background in designing and making wedding dresses, my work is detailed and personal and often has a vintage flavour.

My latest work is a table linen collection, based on the mischievous antics of my grandmother whilst working at a shoe factory during WWI, you can read more about it on my blog post. 

My recent awards were for a fashion fabric collection inspired by historical embroidery samples.

Employing  20 years of teaching experience, I run intimate workshop days at Treadle and Thread, which is attached to my home. These offer participants a chance to escape the rush of everyday, to slow down and to create something which has a personal connection and to feel nurtured and nourished in the process.  The days include a light home cooked lunch, afternoon tea and cake and drinks throughout the day and I specialise in catering for those with specific dietary intolerances and preference.

I also teach small groups of children, focussing on passing on skills to a new generation.

You can check out current workshops on offer by clicking the button on the top bar, or contact me below if you would like to arrange a private workshop with friends either at Treadle & Thread or at  venue of your choice.