Hello,
The next few months are set to be a busy time of sharing and celebrating some of the incredible work we’ve created together and I wanted to share what’s coming up and invite you to be part of it.
There’s something really special about seeing these pieces out in the world. What begins as individual contributions, small, thoughtful, personal, gradually becomes something much bigger. These projects continue to celebrate the power of community art: how each stitch, each story, each person’s input helps build something meaningful, connective and lasting.
At the heart of it all is storytelling. That’s always been the thread running through my work. Stitch gives us a way to share voices, hold memories and gently explore the narratives that shape our lives and communities. Some of those stories are joyful, some are more tender or complex, but all of them matter – and it’s a privilege to help hold space for them.
Over the coming weeks, there are a number of opportunities to come and see the work, take part, or simply spend a bit of time connecting with it.
The 80 Candles Quilt will be on display at Ashbourne Library from Monday 13th April to Saturday 18th April. On Saturday 18th April at 11am, I’ll be there for a short, informal talk, along with a book signing and a gentle craft activity for children.
In May, I’ll be running Nature Memory Hangings, a workshop in partnership with Derbyshire Mind, set in the beautiful surroundings of Chatsworth House. It’s on Thursday 14th May, and it will be a mindful, reflective session using stitch to connect with memory and place. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you can book here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-memory-hangings-a-mindful-stitch-workshop-tickets-1984559271203
Then on Saturday 16th May, there’s the unveiling of the Stitching Ashbourne exhibition at Trinity Hall at The Link Centre, from 2.30pm to 5pm. This is always a lovely moment—seeing the work come together and shared publicly. Ticket details will be available soon.
The 80 Candles Quilt will also be on display at Mickleover Library from Tuesday 19th May to Saturday 30th May. There’ll be a talk and book signing on Friday 22nd May at 10.30am. It’s a free event, but booking is required, so you’ll need to contact Mickleover Library to reserve a place (01332 647884).
If you’re able to come along to any of these, it would be really lovely to see you. And if you feel like sharing with others who might be interested, that’s always hugely appreciated too. These projects are rooted in the idea that creativity belongs to everyone, and that storytelling—especially through stitch—can bring people together in meaningful ways.
I’ll be sharing updates and details on socials as things unfold, so do keep an eye here:
https://www.facebook.com/EveryStitchAStory
As always, thank you for being part of this. It really does make a difference.
If you’re looking for the details at a glance:
- The 80 Candles Quilt – Ashbourne Library
13–18 April
Talk, book signing & children’s activity: 18 April, 11am. No Booking Required. - Nature Memory Hangings Workshop – Chatsworth House
14 May
Book: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-memory-hangings-a-mindful-stitch-workshop-tickets-1984559271203 - Stitching Ashbourne Exhibition – Trinity Hall, The Link Centre
16 May, 2.30–5pm
(Booking details coming soon) - The 80 Candles Quilt – Mickleover Library
19–30 May
Talk & book signing: 22 May, 10.30am (booking required via Mickleover Library: 01332 647884)
Every Stitch A Story 