The Fabric of Winchester St John's holds first community sewing day

During the four-hour session, almshouse residents, Hand in Hand scheme members, staff, and volunteers worked together to design, prepare, make, and submit several blocks which will be incorporated into the project’s memory quilts.

On hand to assist attendees with using the eight state-of-the-art Janome sewing machines was Jayne Brogan, Janome regional sales and education manager (south), who provided invaluable assistance throughout the day alongside several St John’s Winchester staff.

Hannah Jones, engagement producer at local performing arts charity, Play to the Crowd acted in the role of ‘Memory Artist’, helping participants to translate their memories into a unique but achievable block design.

She said "Play to the Crowd is delighted to be supporting The Fabric of Winchester project.

"It's a fabulous way of bringing the community together to celebrate their stories through sewing. The project has been curated with thought, care and passion and we are loving going on this journey with St John's." 

Several more Community Sewing Days are planned for the coming weeks, including sessions at the Theatre Royal Winchester (September 25), The Winchester Bakery (October 5), Winchester Sports & Leisure Park (October 13) and The Arc, Winchester (October 22).

Each event will be broken into a series of two-hour sessions, with no sewing experience required of participants. Sewing machines and all materials will be provided, though attendees are encouraged to bring any fabric which holds significance for them to the sessions.

Members of local community quilting group, the Wessex Quiltmakers have volunteered to provide expert sewing guidance across each event. As one of the longest-established groups in the country, their members are experienced in both traditional and contemporary styles, whilst also nurturing a love of the craft in both those newer and more advanced quilters.

Community Sewing Days are free to attend, but registrations are essential via the Playmakers website. Refreshments will be provided at all sessions with a professional photographer capturing the highlights of the day.

Community sewing day (Image: St John's)

ABOUT THE ST JOHN’S DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE ADMIRAL NURSES

The Fabric of Winchester has highlighted the important work of the St John’s Winchester Dementia Support service, a free-to-access service which has provided life-changing support to more than 300 individuals living with dementia since its inception in October 2022.

Led by two dementia specialist admiral nurses and a dementia support worker, the service provides one-to-one advice, practical solutions, social activities, and support for people over 55 who are living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, both within their own homes and the community.

“Family carers are often under tremendous strain to find the right care and services to support their loved one with dementia, as well as have their own needs met”, admiral nurse Jeni Bell said. 

“Admiral Nurses support families to find the answer or solution to problems whatever they may be, at any stage of the illness. Our focus is to help the carer stay well physically and mentally so that they can continue their caring role”.

All donations made throughout The Fabric of Winchester project will go directly towards supporting the work of the admiral nurses across Winchester.

Community sewing day (Image: St John's)

HOW TO DONATE A BLOCK

Individual quilt block donations are invited from all in Winchester, including individuals, families, community groups, schools, churches, and local businesses.

Each block will be 9 inches by 9 inches, made of either a single piece of fabric which holds a special meaning, or a sewn square depicting a personal memory or story.

Local businesses can purchase a block which will include a company logo or name, with prices starting at £60.

Those wishing to make their own block can attend one of several free Community Sewing Days or alternatively are welcome to sew their block independently and in their own time.

All blocks should be posted or dropped off to St John’s Winchester or BellaCrafts by Friday, November 10, along with a Block Donation Form, which will capture the stories connected with each donation.

Further instructions including details on the types of fabric that can be used are available on the St John’s Winchester website, along with answers to several Frequently Asked Questions and the Block Donation Forms.

COMMUNITY SEWING DAYS 

1pm-5pm, Monday, September 25 – Theatre Royal Winchester

10am-2pm, Thursday, October 5 – Winchester Bakery

1.30pm-6.30pm, Friday, October 13 – Winchester Sports and Leisure Park

11am-5pm, Sunday, October 22 – The Arc

All Community Sewing Days are free, but registrations are essential via the Playmakers website. Full details including accessibility and capacities are available on the St John’s Winchester website. Attendees are encouraged to bring along any fabric with sentimental value, although materials and sewing machines will be available for use.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? 

• Donate a piece of fabric or clothing
• Stitch your own 9” x 9” ‘block’ (the squares that make up a quilt)
• Join one of the free Community Sewing Days
• Purchase a ‘Business Block’ for your business.
• Share your memory or story along with any photos of your block on social media and use one of the hashtags: #FabricOfWinchester or #StitchedTogether
• Sign up to receive Fabric of Winchester updates via the St John’s Winchester website.

SUPPORT THE ST JOHN’S DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE 

In recognising the power of personal stories, Fabric of Winchester participants are asked where possible to consider a gift of any size towards the St John’s Dementia Support service, donating for those whose memories are cherished.

With the support of the community, St John’s will be able to answer every call for help, meeting the unprecedented demand for the free service and transforming the quality of life for all those in Winchester living with dementia