A GROUP of creative local women have just put the last stitch to a large completely hand-sewn patchwork throw, using traditional patchwork and appliqué methods.

The group, Homespun, have been working for 18 months, to create this beautiful throw. With no specific professional or expert skills, just considerable practice and lifelong experience of making and mending, the ladies sew and craft together while eating cake, chatting and drinking tea. Ladies in rural communities in days past would often have come together to make and mend for their families and communities in similar ways, and this is what they try to achieve in a modern context.

Tina Jefferies of Glewstone, in whose home they meet, says, “When we see the results of our efforts come together in something beautiful and useful for the community, it gives us a great sense of achievement and pleasure.”

Homespun will now use the throw to help raise money for families in Herefordshire by selling tickets representing most of the 324 patches. From June-December the throw will be at a number of Home-Start Herefordshire and local community events in the county, and tickets sold to raise funds for the family support charity Home-Start Herefordshire.

During the past two years the Homespun group have also made a bright and beautiful vestment for their local vicar, Rev Simon Mondon, using cheerful Noah’s Ark themed designs created by children at Llangrove School. The ladies took up a challenge presented to them to transfer the children’s designs to fabric and thread. It has enabled the children to see their drawings appear on the garment Rev Mondon now wears for their school and church services.

For information about the group, where the throw will be, and ticket sales, contact Tina on 01989 7704348. Or more information about Home-Start Herefordshire and the service it provides for the county, call 01432 371212.