Thanks to the incredible contributions of participants and volunteers, Stitching Ashbourne is blossoming into the meaningful, collaborative artwork it was always envisioned to be, an inspiring testament to the creativity and heart of this community. More than 170 people have contributed their creativity, memories and love for Ashbourne to this growing work. The process has brought together the youngest stitchers experimenting with thread for the very first time, those rediscovering skills from childhood, and lifelong makers sharing their experience. Every single square adds depth, character and meaning to the collective story being told.
This community-led project has been made possible through generous support from funders including Ashbourne Methodist Church, St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne Arts, Ashbourne Town Council and The Rotary Club, whose combined contributions of £2,478 enabled materials to be purchased and workshops to be offered free of charge. Local venues and businesses have also played a vital role, donating workshop spaces valued at more than £5,000. St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne Craft & Chat, House of Beer, Sticky Fingers, Ashbourne Library, Ashbourne Town Hall and Betty’s Sewing Box have all opened their doors and helped the project flourish.
Further donations, £265 from the crowdfunder and workshop donation tubs, highlight the generosity of the wider community. BUT!!! To bring the project to completion, an additional £2,754 is still needed. These remaining funds will support the delivery of the final workshops, administration, assembly and installation of the finished piece, as well as a hoped-for unveiling event that will bring the whole community together to celebrate. Contributions can be made via the crowdfunder or by contacting me directly.
As the creative phase progresses, stitched squares are being gathered ahead of the next stage of the journey. Once collected, the Central Panel Sewing Circle, an incredibly skilled group of local stitchers, will continue detailed work through December and January. Construction workshops are planned for February at Betty’s Sewing Box, where the final artwork will be assembled with care and craftsmanship. (If you’d like to help, please email laura_burrill@outlook.com
The completed piece is scheduled to be unveiled in the spring, coinciding with the opening of the newly refurbished Ashbourne Methodist Church. Once the date is confirmed, invitations will go out to everyone involved. After the unveiling, the work will embark on a tour of Ashbourne, with planned displays at St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne Library, the Ashbourne Heritage Centre, House of Beer, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School and St Oswald’s Primary School. Interest from additional venues, businesses and community organisations is warmly welcomed to allow the artwork to reach as many people as possible.
Behind the scenes, a remarkable group of volunteers has helped bring the project to life. Alice, a University of Derby student on placement, has played a crucial role in supporting workshops. Catherine Hart contributed her expertise in working with children to deliver a special session at St Oswald’s Primary School. Clare, Jackie, Sue and the Ashbourne Craft & Chat team have ensured workshops ran smoothly—setting up spaces, serving refreshments, and helping manage busy sessions with warmth and enthusiasm.
As the squares, stories and stitches come together, the true essence of the project becomes ever clearer. Stitching Ashbourne is more than fabric and thread: it is a celebration of local culture, shared heritage and the deep connections between people and place. What began as a simple idea has grown into a living tapestry of the town—a collective artwork woven from hundreds of voices, memories and moments. It stands as a testament to the creativity, generosity and community spirit that define Ashbourne.
Every Stitch A Story 