AN experimental textile designer who has seen her work displayed in New York galleries is now running classes in Warrington.

Maria Livesey, who lives in Latchford, used to design handbags for a living but took a break while having children.

And she wants to offer affordable and accessible classes to the people of Warrington.

“I used to experiment with different types of textiles to make new fashions which were quite ahead of their time,” said Maria.

“Some of the stuff I used to think up was really wacky, and I’ve seen my designs on display in galleries in New York and across the UK.

“I have also worked as a bag designer in London, trained as a higher education teacher and part managed a higher national diploma in textile design.”

Maria is originally from Scotland but moved to Warrington 16 years ago after spending time living in Norfolk, Peterhead and Aberdeen.

And after settling in the area and having children, she decided to begin running textiles classes at Priestley College entitled ‘Hanging by a Thread’.

“About three years ago when my daughter was about six or seven, I decided to run classes in the evenings which were basically an introduction to textiles and how to be creative with them.

“The college and staff were great and the classes were really popular, but some of the regular members said they had friends who would love to come but couldn’t commit to evening classes.

“It was then that I though about running workshops in the daytime so other people weren’t missing out.”

Maria now runs her classes and workshops out of Fairfield Old School, and covers topics such as general textiles, free machine stitching, image transferring and felt making.

“I’ve got a couple of classes and workshops coming up in the next few months as I run them in termly blocks.

“This workshop is based on needle felting, and everyone here has had a go at making a realistic looking 3D sheep.

“It’s more complex than just cutting and sticking felt but it is equally suitable for beginners, so the classes are perfect for anyone who wants to take part.”

As well as this, Maria is planning to trail a parent and child workshop on Friday, June 7, where both can try their hands at felt making.

“All the classes are based on demand and this is something that will appeal to both parents and their children.

“As well as having fun, both will form a closer bond and build a good relationship in the process.”

More information about the classes and workshops available and how you can get involved can be found on the 'Hanging by a Thread' Facebook page here.