We’ll sew you a thing or two – children show off their skills

YOUNG people have been sharpening their sewing skills thanks to new machines and overlockers provided by Teesdale Action Partnership.
Stitch Kidz clubs in Teesdale and the Gaunless Valley, led by textile artist Dyane Cakebread, have also had their courses subsidised by the partnership, which has paid the cost of their rent.
In return, children who take part in the clubs have been giving something back to society by producing clothes for needy children across the world. The clubs, aimed at children aged from seven to 11, take place at Cockfield’s Pauline Charlton Pavilion, Staindrop Primary School and in Bishop Auckland on a weekly basis during term time.
Ms Cakebread said: “At level one they learn how to make pin cushions and saddle cushions. On level two they make dolls and dress them so they start to get an idea of how to make clothes.”
These levels concentrate on hand-stitching.
By level three, the children are let loose on the new sewing machines that were delivered in September.
Nine-year-old Grace Armstrong, who is quickly becoming adept at using the sewing machines, said her favourite part was making pillow dresses for impoverished children in Africa. She added: “I enjoyed it when we got to make the dresses because it was taking something and turning it into something else.”
Ms Cakebread said jointly the clubs had made about 30 dresses that are now being worn by children in Africa. Toby Smith, eight, said it was quite a challenge when he started.
He added: “It gets quite easy when you get used to it. If you didn’t know what stitching was you could stay on a level for a long time. As you go up you get more advanced.”
Along with the charity work that the children’s groups are doing, the textile artist’s adult Sew Social group is also doing its bit for others.
Members have started sewing sanitary wear for homeless people.
The friendly monthly club meets in a back room of Cockfield’s new General Store, formerly the post office, on the second Thursday and last Tuesday of each month.
Ms Cakebread said the aim of the Sew Social group was to learn from and be inspired by each other. For information about any of the groups, contact Ms Cakebread on 07977 719782.