Stitching for Syria....

You may remember from this post here, that some time ago I stitched a block for "Stitching for Syria" for Concern, an aid organisation, who have asked stitchers around the world to stitch this little design to be made into a wall hanging to show the women of Syria that stitchers around the world are thinking of them and are aware of their plight.  It is also to give them inspiration for their own craft.  I found out about this via the lovely Jo, who also stitched a block.

Stitched on 28 ct Mocah Linen

Floss: Cottage Garden Threads 1004 Blue Ixia

Well, the other day, I received this great update email.

Dear Kaye,  Earlier this year, hundreds of you took part in our cross-stitch challenge in aid of Syrian refugees. Now the individual creations have been turned into three beautiful wall hangings. Stitch for Syria saw crafters from around the world re-create a cross-stitch pattern inspired by the refugee women at a Concern supported training centre in Lebanon. The women at the centre use embroidery to deal with the trauma caused by years of violent conflict, as well as earn a vital income. Now Jane Caldwell, a grandmother and retired lecturer from Northern Ireland has stitched the patterns together to make three wall hangings! The hangings feature over 900 individual squares from over 20 countries. Jane spent four hours a day for two months joining the patterns together, using over one million stitches!  Jane said: "I'm really pleased with how it has turned out. It's been amazing to see how creative people have been and how varied each design is...I hope the completed wall hangings will remind the Syrian women that we support them in the difficulties they face."  The hangings will soon be sent to Lebanon where they will decorate the centre where the women meet. Stay tuned for our next email showing the hangings on their journey to Lebanon.  How wonderful it is to have been part (albeit just a small part) of this great initiative. Thanks, dear Jo, for giving me the inspiration to take part. hugs to you all,  P.S. Sorry that the last two pictures are so large, but if I try to change the size they go out of proportion!