Since we were founded in 1872, our mission has been to keep the art of hand embroidery alive.  One of the ways we do this is to facilitate more needlework in schools by providing ideas and a wide range of materials to engage the younger generation.  Last year, we launched our ‘Embroider a Selfie’ project which encouraged children, in over 50 schools, to pick up a needle to stitch a selfie rather than reach for their mobile phone!   The initiative helped young people to learn about the fun, creativity and the therapeutic aspects of stitch.

This year, we are working with the delightful Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, and asking school children to ‘Stitch a Power Mantra’.  Mr X Stitch is a guest lecturer at the Royal School of Needlework and agreed to be an Ambassador for the ‘Embroider a Selfie’ project.  He met with some of our Degree in Hand Embroidery Students and inspired them to express their feelings by ‘Stitching a Power Mantra’.  The Mantra can be any inspirational word or expression that helps motivate or provide a goal.

Emma Doggart, Project Manager of the Selfie Project explains: “The RSN ‘Embroider a Selfie’ project is all about self-expression. This project provides a focus for the children and teachers, enabling the children to reflect about themselves and prompting discussion points in the class.  Stitching a Power Mantra will help to build self-esteem and motivate, whilst the focus and soothing flow of stitch will work to block out anxiety and stress.”

If you would like to know more and to involve your local school, please visit our website or email: [email protected]