Craftworkers enjoy benefits of getting creative for charity
Cathie herself made half a dozen very poignant outfits this year – burial gowns for babies stillborn at six or seven months.
She first created such an outfit some years ago when she heard that a friend’s sister was going to lose her baby.
“I’d come across these little gowns and I thought it would be nice to do it. I made two different sizes. The mother was overwhelmed. I thought if she felt like that, other [bereft] mums would too.”
When a local charity looked for the gowns earlier this year, Cathie responded but she acknowledges many would find it hard to do.
“It’s so close to the heart. Lots of people couldn’t do it – they’d just feel too sad. But if you think of the parents and how this little gift would show somebody is thinking of them, what a difference it makes.
Being a mum of four – three of whose children were born prematurely and later thrived – she feels empathy for these less fortunate mums. “I can’t imagine how they’d feel, after carrying the baby to lose it.”
Aside from increased interest in crafting for charity, Cathie has noticed other trends at the series of nine classes she instigated.
“People are really interested in crochet and art. And young women are getting back into craft, which is lovely. Interest in the classes is certainly picking up. I remind people of the health benefits – if you want to stop smoking or cut back on what you eat, crafting keeps your hands busy. There are a whole lot of reasons why people should be out there mixing, socialising and crafting.”
Cathie is running the last class of term today (10am-3pm) at the Arts and Craft Hub in Ballincollig GAA pavilion.
You can learn various crochet stitches – crocodile, chevron, basketweave, c2c (a wonderful blanket that can be done fast if you’re stuck for a baby present).
Or try your hand with plastic canvas, making keepsakes for Communion/Confirmation.
Other possibilities are 3D decoupage and Australia cross stitch. For those interested in art, you can dabble with acrylics, watercolours or oils.
Craft classes resume in September. Cathie welcomes feedback from Cork Federation craft day entrants on the demos and workshops featured.
Do include suggestions/ideas for craft day. Guild secretaries should send Cathie their craft promoter’s contact details. Updated handcraft booklets (€3) are available for guilds.
