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. 

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Number of tea bags and treats sent out
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No. of people receiving a monthly dose of 'woolly wellness' during lockdown

Words used by participants to describe the experience of stitching!

A huge thank you to Ladywood Neighbourhood Network Scheme for funding this project.

A few places were also funded by a NNS microgrant by the Edgbaston NNS.