Sewing workshops with Great British Sewing Bee Expert

Lt Col Neil Stace, a finalist in the 2015 BBC Great British Sewing Bee, will be returning to Ely Cathedral during half term week to run 4 very special sewing workshops for families. Over a 2 hour period, Neil, a serving officer in the British army and Sewing Bee contestant, will be passing on his needlework skills and demonstrating how to make a Sweetheart pincushion.
These workshops are part of a special needlework exhibition at Ely Cathedral to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.    Families are invited to join the ‘Sewing Soldier’ in making their own commemorative WW1 Sweetheart Pincushions and to learn how the injured soldiers used sewing and embroidery to help them recover from the physical and psychological traumas of fighting in the trenches.
‘Sweetheart’ pincushions, as they are better known, date back to the First World War when convalescing soldiers made them to send home to their loved ones.  The exhibition, 100 Hearts for 100 Years, is on display until the end of the month and features a few original pincushions, alongside recreated hearts made by the Royal School of Needlework, present day soldiers, veterans, military wives and children, as well as the Embroiderers Guild and the charity, Combat Stress.  
Family ticket £5 (up to 4 people) (only available via telephone from Ely Cathedral Box Office – 01353 660349 or in person). Suitable for aged 5 upwards.