Following the incredible success of the Red Dress in June 2025, WOVEN is thrilled to launch the West Yorkshire Calico Dress Projects, part of the global Calico Garment Initiative led by Red Dress artist Kirstie Macleod.
This inspiring project invites communities to adorn a specially made Calico Dress with their embroidered stories in the form of a patch. Each patch will speak of an individual’s cultural identity, heritage or creativity.
It’s a chance for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to come together and share their diverse stories in one dress!
In Kirklees, WOVEN is partnering with Ravensthorpe Community Centre to bring the project to life. Several local groups are already on board representing Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Batley, Skelmenthorpe, Kirkburton, Meltham, Holme Valley.
The completed dress will be showcased at WOVEN Festival 2027, celebrating the rich tapestry of community voices across Kirklees.
WE NEED SUPPORT: we have already raised over £4800 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund towards the Kirklees Calico Dress Project but we need to raise more in order to help groups with their stitching skills, to host public stitch sessions and to stitch the dress together ready for the exhibition.
We have set up a Spacehive fund raising page and if we can raise £4700, Kirklees Council will match up with £2600. We have until the 3rd of March!
If you want to get involved in the Kirklees Calico Dress you can join us online to find out more, or in person at our upcoming events.
We’re also looking to expand the initiative across West Yorkshire, with the ambition to host a Calico Dress in Bradford, Wakefield, Leeds, and Calderdale.
Wakefield’s dress is being hosted by Spectrum People through their Appletree Community Garden programme.
If you want to get involved in the Wakefield Dress you can attend one of the in person sessions at The Art House. Find out more here
If you are in Leeds, Bradford or Calderdale, you are welcome to join our information sessions but please be aware we are yet to find a host organisation in these areas and are having discussions at the moment.
Kind support so far:
- Darn It Workshops
- 6 Million+
- Knitting and Crochet Guild
- Yorkshire Mentoring
- HATCH
