Project eARTh: ‘The Ugly Bug Ball’ Embroidery Project
A project for participants in Project eARTh, and arts and health programme for adults across the High Peak, experiencing mental distress or other long -term conditions. This lockdown embroidery project is led by artist Amanda Whewell. It has been done by post – sending out all information and materials needed, along with stamped addressed envelopes for the returned work. The finished artwork will be made into a quilt, floor cushions or curtains for Reuben’s Retreat, a local charity who work with children with life limiting conditions and their families. To date, we have had over 75 embroidered pieces of stunning quality on our chosen theme of ‘The Ugly Bug Ball’ which we thought would appeal to the children. Participants have enjoyed the project and many asked for more calico to create extra pieces (each person was originally sent two pieces). Involvement has extended out from our group to a few other family members ( a mother and a granddaughter) ; and to a few other community members who were told about it by people in our group, and wanted to join in.
Feedback so far:
A few quotes…
‘Such a good idea. Has really helped me relax for a few evenings. Very much appreciated. Thank you. ‘
‘The quilt is a lovely idea, and I am pleased to have been a tiny part of it’
‘Anna, my 13 year old granddaughter is responsible for the caterpillar. She enjoyed her first experience of embroidery and is very happy to have another go if you have more pieces for the quilt. Hope you, your family and all members at Project eARTh are keeping safe and well.’
‘Loved doing this’
‘It was a lovely distraction to sit in the sunshine and concentrate for days on end’
‘Challenging – but managed to do it’
‘My favourite. Loved this because we are making it for the community, for someone else. Contact with the outside in a way and hopefully a better future ( more normal)’.
‘This idea is stupendous- Ugly Bug quilts for the children’s hospice – superb!’.
‘Fantastic. Very enjoyable collaborative project for a precious cause. Perfectly timed during lockdown, really enjoyed it’.
‘ With each stitch I’ve made, all the children and their families that will be using the services of Reuben’s Retreat have been at the forefront of my mind. This has been the heart of my motivation’ .
‘Our collective love going into the quilt is directly transferable to the children and family members. Some of the adults, at least, might find a little strength from knowing that strangers have been thinking about them and wanting to try to make a small difference somehow.’
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
