Photos from the Eco-Crafternoon, courtesy of Kay Piercy









In the spirit of sustainability, and recognising the predisposition of many makers to get involved in ’sewing for social good,’ Significant Seams CIC and Sustainable Crediton CIO brought together a range of inspiring projects and organisations for the event they named the ‘Eco Crafternoon.’
The event raised over £600 for a range of local good causes, supported the creation of connections between projects and new volunteers, and received some lovely feedback including:
Thank you so much for today.. it was sensational and very uplifting.. the people, the mending, the music, the food, the fabric.. i was in heaven! Cant wait for next year!!!
Whilst the event centred around a give and take area of art and craft supplies, a range of initiatives being driven by artists and makers were on hand. The British Royal Legion were giving out patterns for making poppies, as well as taking donations. A number of local people taking up Dementia UK’s knitting challenge, to knit everyday in November, had a stall to attract sponsors and more participants. The ‘Prayer Doll’ project led by artist Denise Rowe is engaging people in the making of 1M textile dolls which will be displayed on Dartmoor in remembrance of women persecuted as witches in Medieval England. Another mass participation art project, The Mossy Carpet, invited attendees to help sew-on pom-poms that represent the power of bogs and ‘pompom’ mosses in carbon sequestration – whilst little acts of behaviour change might not initially seem worthwhile, when taken together, they can have a big impact. The event also featured the Crediton Repair Cafe, an ancient fashion display, live music provided by local volunteers, and opportunities to post needs and offers amongst crafters.
Throughout the event, people brought their surplus supplies related to crafting and art, and browsed the donations of others, taking away materials more appropriate to their latest creative intentions. Significant Seams and Sustainable Crediton volunteers will be meeting after the event to sort any leftover items and help redistribute them to relevant social projects and/or charities. They also plan to assemble creative kits to fundraise for community activities. To find out more or to get involved, contact catherine@significantseams.org.uk and/or info@sustainablecrediton.org.uk.