Needlework for Change

Here at the Crewel Work Company, we have always felt the strong connection between taking needle to fabric and a positive sense of well being (read our 2022 blog post on the topic for more!). The rhythmic silence of the wool as it glides through the linen has an meditative effect, bringing an almost instant sense of calm and peace. Not to mention the sheer sense of pride and accomplishment one feels having completed a design!

This year we are supporting two wonderful charities that are taking this idea to another level and are doing groundbreaking work with needlework and mental health.

Sew Positive, Cambridge, UK

Our first charity Sew Positive is a small but impactful operation based in Cambridge, UK. Sew Positive’s mission is to provide opportunities for vulnerable people to nurture their mental health through free sewing workshops and courses, helping people to feel part of a community and reducing the feeling of social exclusion.

Run by their passionate CEO Melissa (pictured above), they are having a growing impact in their local area. Melissa says: 

“Sewing brings a calm state of mind which is good for mental health and wellbeing. It also helps those experiencing isolation as it brings people together through creativity,” 

Last year we shared our Christmas Card giveaway with them, which they used in workshops in the local area, as pictured below.

This year we are partnering with them to provide a free printed linen for our popular Jacobean Sampler kit for their community to test out during a free online workshop Phillipa will offer in the New Year.

Help Heal Veterans, USA

Our second charity takes us across the Atlantic to Winchester, California where, for 50 years, Help Heal Veterans have worked to support the healing and rehabilitation of veterans by providing them with therapeutic craft kits, completely free of charge. 

Craft kits are provided to veterans as well as active-duty military personnel who have sustained injuries, and to treatment facilities that serve those who served. The kits are created through the generosity and compassion of countless donors and volunteers. 

As with Sew Positive, this year we will be sending them a stash of beginner printed linens to be used at a free workshop to be offered in the New Year.

We are so proud and honoured to be partnering these two wonderful organisations again this year, and to support the amazing work they are doing! 😍