Today marked our final public workshop for Stitching Ashbourne! A real milestone in what has been an inspiring and genuinely collaborative journey.
From the very beginning, this project has been shaped by generosity. So many people have given their time, skills and knowledge to help bring it to life. One of the most rewarding parts has been watching each person’s expertise step forward at just the right moment, whether through embroidery, workshop support, machine stitching, pressing, problem-solving or those careful finishing touches that make all the difference. If you have taken part at any point along the way, thank you. Your contribution is stitched into this piece in more ways than one.
At our final public session, we were hard at work assembling the two side panels and beginning the binding process and they are looking fantastic. Seeing weeks of individual contributions come together into something cohesive and unified has been incredibly satisfying. It’s hard to believe how much has been achieved in such a short space of time.
We are hugely grateful to Betty’s Sewing Box and Betty’s Vintage Tea Room for providing such a welcoming and supportive creative space over the past month, and for keeping us so well fed and watered throughout. We will all miss those legendary cheese scones! We’re also incredibly thankful to the other local venues who have hosted workshops along the way, your generosity and willingness to open your doors has helped make this project possible.
Although the public workshops have now finished, the work isn’t quite complete. Over the coming weeks, the Central Panel Sewing Circle will be meeting, and beavering away at home, to finish the final elements and a few top-secret details. Then our focus turns fully to planning the grand unveiling, which will take place mid-to-late April at Ashbourne Methodist Church.
As we begin planning this celebration, we would love to hear from anyone who would like to be involved. We’re hoping to showcase locally themed refreshments, ideally provided by Ashbourne businesses, and are also looking for help with planning, setting up, clearing away, serving teas and coffees and possibly even providing some entertainment. If you would like to play a part in bringing the unveiling to life, please do get in touch.
Following the unveiling, the finished piece will tour the town, visiting St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne Historical Centre, House Of Beer, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, St Oswald’s C of E Primary School, Ashbourne Library and Ashbourne Festival, celebrating the people, places and creativity that make Ashbourne so special.
This project has always been about connection, between stitches, between stories and between people. I can’t wait to share the finished piece with you. Watch this space!
Every Stitch A Story 