The Seasonal Stitch Project

The Seasonal Stitch Project provided an opportunity for 80 people aged 50+ living in or connected to Ladywood and North Edgbaston wards to participate in a stitch tapestry project to do from the safety and comfort of their homes at a time when Covid restrictions (including a lockdown) were limiting people’s lives (Feb 21 – May 21). The project was designed for fun, connectedness, but mostly for wellbeing during the challenging times of the pandemic.

‘Woolly Wellness’ kits were sent by post over 4 months. These included a different tapestry design inspired by one of the four seasons, wools, canvas, needle, stamped address envelope and writing paper, a tea bag and a sweet treat (biscuit or lolly), and a stitch community magazine.

Along with the boxes we provided a ‘wrap around’ of support for those who wanted extra ways to stay connected; monthly zoom calls, Facebook live events and recorded stitch-a-long films (accessible on YouTube), and we set up a closed Facebook group for the stitchers to connect with each other.

We also ran a monthly BSL-interpreted stitch-a-long and chat session on zoom as part of a collaboration with BID Services.

Number of tea bags and treats sent out

No. of people receiving a monthly dose of 'woolly wellness' during lockdown

"I am really grateful to have had this opportunity, it isn't something I would normally have thought of doing as I would have found even the idea of it daunting but undoubtedly I will now continue in some form or another.”

"Feedback during the project has been really positive, every time a package arrived at people’s homes they were messaging with excitement. The added touches of tea bags and biscuits were really lovely!"

“Thank you for the opportunity of getting into stitching, crafting and I've taken up my knitting again as a result of my involvement with Woolly Mammoth Stitch Works! ”