An Invitation to join a special project.
Do you help to care for, or support, someone who has dementia and is living at home?
The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) in partnership with Hope for Home are looking for carers to participate in a free embroidery project: Fragile Threads.
Fragile Threads’ aim is to connect people through shared stories, stitching meaning into everyday life, and crafting space to reflect, respond and remember focusing on the natural world.
We are looking for up to 100 carers to make a small embroidery piece that will be turned into a larger artwork to be displayed in the RSN’s 2027 Fragile Threads exhibition to be held in London.
No experience of embroidery is required, and selected participants will be provided with all the materials they need to work on the project, including instructions from the specialist tutors at the RSN.
*participation is open to people in the United Kingdom*
What is the project? Say something beautifully.
The RSN and Hope for Home know how difficult it can be to care for a loved one with dementia and also recognise that having a creative outlet can be of help in difficult times.
Hand embroidery is a powerful tool for mental health and well-being. Many have found comfort in stitching, using the rhythmic motions and creative expression to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
We also know that being in the natural world can be a huge source of support to both physical and mental health. However, the natural world is changing rapidly due to the climate emergency.
Working with active carers, we have written two questions that we would like participants to consider around connecting with nature and observing change in the environment.
What is the project? Say something beautifully.
The RSN and Hope for Home know how difficult it can be to care for a loved one with dementia and also recognise that having a creative outlet can be of help in difficult times.
Hand embroidery is a powerful tool for mental health and well-being. Many have found comfort in stitching, using the rhythmic motions and creative expression to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
We also know that being in the natural world can be a huge source of support to both physical and mental health. However, the natural world is changing rapidly due to the climate emergency.
Working with active carers, we have written two questions that we would like participants to consider around connecting with nature and observing change in the environment.
What will I do?
The RSN will send you a free embroidery kit with everything you need for you to work on and return it to us. The kit will include full written embroidery stitch instructions as well as links to online resources to help you complete the embroidery.
We will give you two questions to consider and answer. Simply write your response to the question you feel most strongly about on the kit fabric, and embroider over it to create a unique piece of art. You could also add extra embroidery to your piece to make it even more personal – perhaps a favourite flower or a piece of fabric that is meaningful to you or your loved ones.
After you receive your kit, Hope for Home volunteers will be in touch by telephone to check that you have all the information you need, and to pass on any questions you may have to the stitching team at the RSN.
