Every month, we bring you an update about what’s new and exciting at Cockpit. From stunning products to intriguing projects to inspiring brand partnerships, here are the latest developments from our makers.
Ella Merriman’s love letter to rush weaving
Cockpit’s Ella Merriman combines ancestral tradition, native materials, and slow processes to keep the endangered craft of rush weaving alive. In her new collaboration with Loona Universe, titled ‘The Sisters’, Ella presents a collection of six bags with each unique piece coming together as part of a family that respects and reveres nature and its teachings.
Each bag is made from British rush harvested and dried by Ella, and finished with a handmade wooden handle, attached using delicate silk dyed by Cockpit handweaver and natural dyer Kathryn Tomasetti.
Ella Merriman x Loona Universe, 'The Sisters'. Photo Victor Trani.
Kamilah Ahmed and Huimin Zhang take the next step with QEST Scholarships
Embroidery artist Kamilah Ahmed and goldsmith Huimin Zhang have been awarded prestigious QEST Scholarships, joining Cockpit’s growing community of QEST Alumni.
Kamilah will use the scholarship to expand her practice through specialist one-to-one training, including creative laser cutting with Cockpit’s Malaika Carr and silversmithing with Jacky Oliver. And Huimin will continue advanced training with master goldsmith Giovanni Corvaja, pushing the creative and technical boundaries of gold wire production.
Huimin Zhang at the Craftsmanship and Design Awards.
Kamilah Ahmed in her studio at Cockpit Bloomsbury.
Slow down and stitch with Richard McVetis
January is International Creativity Month, and we can’t think of a better way to ease into the New Year than one of Richard McVetis‘ hand embroidery workshops! In these sessions, you’ll explore a range of traditional hand embroidery techniques, creating texture and pattern while embracing the slowness and rhythm of hand stitching. No prior experience is required and all materials are provided.
Book a last-minute January spot here.
(You can also catch Richard exhibiting with Cavaliero Finn Gallery at London Art Fair later this month!)
Stitches by Richard McVetis.
Treat yourself! It's the final week to shop The Cockpit Edit: Gifts
There’s just one week left to browse and shop beautifully crafted jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, leather, prints, and more from over 35 Cockpit makers in our Gifts Edit.
Whether you’re treating yourself to something handmade as a fresh start to 2026, or picking up a thoughtful gift for someone special (Valentine’s Day is very soon!), this is the perfect opportunity to discover exceptional pieces that support Cockpit’s community of makers.
Don’t miss your chance to start the year with something special — visit The Cockpit Edit: Gifts before it closes on 16 January.
Alma Sophia, 'Aphrodite Earrings'.
Amstein, 'Chatter'.
Michele Oberdieck, 'Pink Gold Wisp Bottle'.
Megan Leech brings contemporary woven design to Frankfurt
Design-led textiles take centre stage at Heimtextil, the leading international trade fair for textiles, where Cockpit weaver Megan Leech will be launching her new collection as part of the New Talent showcase.
Megan’s in-house collection blends contemporary design thinking with strong technical expertise, exploring woven textiles as both creative material and industrial process, and using sampling to test new ideas, structures, and material possibilities.
Megan Leech, photo by Jamie Trounce.
Is getting creative on your New Year’s resolution list?
Whether you’re looking to spend hands-on time together or introduce young ones to making, Cockpit’s new family workshops are the perfect way to get creative as a family.
This January and February, join our makers on a Saturday afternoon to learn upcycling and embroidery with Ashley Jess Knight, experiment with colourful ropemaking with Alice Burnhope, explore stitching and storytelling with Chloé Rochefort, or create a patchwork and appliqué banner with Ted Tinkler.
Plus we have a full week of workshops planned for February half term, bringing you even more opportunities to get crafting together.
Family workshops at Cockpit Deptford, photos by Carmen Gray.
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