The Big Stitch Up

 

Knitters from across South Cheshire are meeting up in Crewe to help create a piece of artwork to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Over the past few months knitters, both young and old, have been busy with their needles as part of the Tree Cozy Project.

This is a creative project which aims to cover trees in Crewe town centre with brightly-knitted sleeves as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the start of June. 

The project is bringing together all sections of the community for the public piece of art which also aims to connect people with their environment.

On March 30, there will be a big stitch up of everything that the group has knitted so far – and there is quite a lot.

Commissioned artist Rachel Elwell is organising the stitch up. It is taking place at the Autism Networks Resource Centre on Prince Albert Street from 10.30am until 2pm.

Anyone who has knitted squares still to donate is asked to drop them off at either the Wool Shop on West Street, Crewe Library, or on the day at the stitch up.

A series of knitting workshops have already been held across Crewe at a variety of venues, including schools and assisted living homes for older people. Children with physical and learning disabilities have also been working on the tree cozies.

Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum is organising the project, assisted by the Council’s local engagement team.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This project has already touched the lives of hundreds of people and it is a good example of all sections of the community working together.

“I am looking forward to seeing the finished cozies when they are installed in the next few months.”

Adrian Lindop, Chair of Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum, said: “We are delighted that so many people have been involved with the project and in June it will give the town something positive to talk about.

“This project is about being resourceful, using up all bits of wool and recycling old garments. However, it’s also a great way of connecting people, a lot of new friendships have been made.

“When the sleeves eventually come down, we are recycling again as they will cleaned and donated to charities to be used as animal bedding”

The Tree Cozy Project has been awarded £9,885 and is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council England.