Can one stitch really make a difference? Maybe not, but a bit of peaceful Craftivism protesting doesn't hurt anyone, and who knows it may make people sit up and think!
Saturday 23rd February 2019 was spent at the Forum, Norwich assisting #SayItWithStitchGY as part of #norfolkmakersfestival creating #Craftivism stitching projects and green hearts for the Climate Coalition's #ShowTheLove campaign.
It was lovely to see so many families in attendance creating some fantastic and varied designs.
The Norfolk Makers Festival grows more and more each year with a variety of art and craft activities on offer to all attendees. This year #SayItWithStichGY had a table on Saturday 23rd February 2019 offering free have a go sewing sessions to anyone who wished to participate.
#SayItWithStichGY is a Craftivist group based in Great Yarmouth founded by Genevieve Rudd and Rachel Harrison who hope to bring environmental messages into the public view through the medium of sewing. Utilising recycled and upcycled materials throughout their sessions they hope to give a meaningful new life to otherwise abandoned garments and fabrics.
Recently they have teamed up with the Climate Coalition for their #ShowTheLove campaign to create Green Hearts;
"Every February since 2015, hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life have joined in one of the biggest climate movements yet. Join us in 2019 to start new climate conversations, and in making and sharing green hearts to #ShowTheLove for all the things you want to protect from climate change. It has never been more important to make your voice heard to the people who have the power to make a world of difference " (https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/show-the-love)
Experienced and novices all participated during the session on the 23rd and also at their fringe event held at Great Yarmouth Library on 14th February 2019; there were many non-sewers having a go and creating works which they were so pleased with they took them home to decorate their homes and give as gifts. Others left their hearts and banners to form part of an upcoming display planned at the St Georges Theatre Café in Great Yarmouth.
The session at the Forum appeared to be a great success and an enjoyable experience for those who participated. One attendee who was apprehensive to try, as never sewn beforehand needed a little extra help with getting to grips with sewing basics but left with a sense of achievement that she had produced something she was proud of.
"I'm really pleased with my heart, I'm going to put it in a frame when I get home I'm so proud of it!" (self-confessed novice sewer)
Overall assisting with the days session has been a very rewarding experience and it is hoped that this has inspired the attendees to continue with the sewing at home or attend future sessions organised by Say It With Stitch GY or the Norfolk Makers Festival.
For more information on The Climate Coalition and Say It With Stitches please visit: https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/show-the-love
https://www.facebook.com/saywithstitchGY/
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