AN INSPIRING exhibition made by military community groups will be on display at national venues this year. We find out more…


STITCHED Together was launched by the Army Welfare Service (AWS) to help military families to build relationships in their communities through sewing.

“It’s grown from a small project to become much bigger than we ever expected, and it’s had a huge impact on people’s confidence,” explained community support and development worker Kerry Palmer.

Thirsk’s Rural Arts charity managed the project, inviting two contemporary textile artists to share their skills, mentor the groups and help create pieces for the exhibition.

Director Angela Hall said: “It’s fantastic to see Stitched Together getting national recognition for the beautiful work the families have made and the incredible effort the artists have put in.”

Artists Dionne Swift and CarolAnn Allan worked with groups at Catterick Garrison, Topcliffe and Dishforth. Inspired by the textile collection from The Green Howards Museum, the group made messenger bags that reflect their experiences of military life.

“They’re a twist on the bags that soldiers would use to carry their armaments,” explained Dionne. “Textiles lend themselves to bringing people together. They’re a vehicle to allow people to support one another as a surrogate family.”

The project has been so popular that many of the military families continue to meet weekly.

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