New sewing forum is a 'stitch at the right time' for Atherstone during Covid-19 lockdown

HOARDERS HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE FOR BRINGING OUT THEIR STASHED FABRIC

CORONAVIRUS lockdown has spawned the launch of a new group of "dedicated hoarders" in the Atherstone area.

Locals who have enthusiastically stashed fabric away for a "rainy day" have been brought together by Chalk & Linen shop owner Jacki Ward.

She is already heading up a team of four women making personal wash bags for frontline NHS staff.

They are using their skills to create the material mini-laundry bags which are used by health workers at the end of a shift to deposit their used uniforms. The bags then go straight into the wash – limiting the spread of infection from work to home.

The upshot of this pooling of skills has been the forming of Atherstone Sewing and Craft Forum.

Mrs Ward, who runs the Chalk & Linen business at Middleton Hall while husband Russ looks after the premises in Long Street, Atherstone, said the new group has started a Facebook which now has 20 members.

She admitted Covid-19 gave opportunities to people under restrictions to revive hobbies and pastimes they may have let go.

Mrs Ward told Nub News: "Sewers always stash fabric away .

"And with lockdown confining many to the house, this is definitely one those occasions where there is an opportunity to bring it out and put it to good use.

"And so the forum was born and when this is all over, we will carry on."

The town used to have a group called Atherstitch which has not been active for a while.

The forum, which can be found here , is the "sort of thing that can bring a community together – keeping it busy and helping people", said Mrs Ward.

If more information is required, Mrs Ward can be contacted on 07921 843233.