Nippy Sweetie grew out of Loom Large in the Community, a creative heritage project for people aged 65 and over, rooted in Glasgow's textile history. Calton's first weavers settled here in 1705, and by the mid-1800s the East End had more than 50 textile factories, including Templeton's Carpet Factory.

Many participants remembered that world, from working in the industry to sewing, knitting and mending at home. With textile artists, they explored embroidery, dyeing and sewing using upcycled materials, making new work from their memories and imagination, and talking about fast fashion along the way. From the start, the project was shaped by participants' own skills and interests.

That group is now Nippy Sweetie. Members chose the name themselves. 

The group has moved on from textiles alone. Members now co-curate their own programme of social history and creative activities, from sharing memories of Calton's streets, trying new ways of making and outings to other exhibitions and events. Stories get shared over a cup of tea, and ideas for what happens next start there.

Nippy Sweetie is now for Calton residents of all ages, including older people living with dementia, disabilities or long-term conditions, and younger neighbours who might be feeling isolated.

When The Pipe Factory reopens in March 2027, we hope to give Nippy Sweetie a floor of their own that members design and furnish themselves, with comfortable seats, a tea point and storage and display space for work.

From there, members plan to:

• set their own programme, choosing what they make and who they work with
• host the building, welcoming people in as it reopens
• share their skills and memories
• help keep the area's stories, deciding what goes into The Pipe Factory archive and how it's told
• have a real say in how the building is run, through our Community Forum

Nippy Sweetie is free and open to anyone in Calton. The group meets fortnightly on a Wednesday afternoons. 

To find out more or come along, email Olwyn below or give us a phone.