A DAZZLING display of handicraft wowed visitors to Worcester Cathedral last week as a part of Refugee Week (June 15 – 21).
The chapter house showcased the work of Quilts4You, an Evesham-based group that works with women fleeing from persecution how to use a sewing machine.
The group was started by Sharon Gresham after some friends met to sew, make and donate quilts to local charities.
She now works with Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees and teaches a regular sewing class where women can learn to sew, knit, and crochet in a safe and welcoming space.
Sharon in conversation with Bishop Hugh. Picture courtesy of EVWR
Sharon, a retired nurse from Pershore said: “The show has been unbelievable. I don’t have the words to describe how well it went.
“We had lots and lots of people, about 2,000 visitors including Bishop Hugh [the bishop of Worcester] who came to meet us and said prayers over the quilts.
“It was so positive, people said they couldn’t believe what our ladies had produced considering most struggle with their English and have never sat at a sewing machine before.
“We managed to change a lot of opinions about refugees.”
Since its inception, the Quilts4You group has donated over 200 quilts to refugees, who are able to choose a quilt that suits their needs and tastes.
Visitor to the exhibition, Rev Prajna Pal-Lad, who is a priest of All Saints Church, Evesham added: “This was a glorious display of creativity through fabric, thread, patience, skill and stories.
“Shreds of fabric are stitched together to create something beautiful – much like how the refugees re-create their life once again from their shredded past.”
The Very Rev Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester, said: “We were delighted to host this exhibition, which brought together creativity, compassion and community in such a meaningful way.
“These quilts are not only beautiful works of art but also powerful expressions of welcome, care and shared humanity. It is a privilege to provide a space where these stories and skills can be celebrated, particularly during Refugee Week.”
The group recently won three rosettes at the Spring Quilts UK show at Malvern in May.
Quilts4You’s next big show will be at Evesham Methodist Church on October 10.
