Stitching’s role in mental health unpicked at Estuary Arts

Handcraft and stitching skills from days gone by are the focus of an exhibition called A Time Gone By that is on now at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.Although the pieces that are on display show that stitching skills were mainly used to make items for practical use around the home, the importance of handcrafts in mental health is also highlighted.

The exhibition is presented in association with Platinum Community Care/Respite NZ in Red Beach, which offers respite care for those living with dementia, Alzheimers and other neurological conditions.

Several of Platinum’s clients have been involved in making items for the exhibition, coming together for regular stitching sessions since last February.

Respite NZ trustees Monica Grimshaw and Megan Minton say handcrafts are often used as therapy for people with dementia as they are a proven way to bring memories to light.

“The stitching brought back memories for many of our clients, including the days when they made their own handicrafts, or things that their mothers or grandmothers made,” Megan says.

Platinum’s clients were joined in the project by a wide range of other community stitchers, of all ages and abilities, with the work coordinated by keen stitcher Joan Hamilton.

Joan says she was asked by Estuary Arts Centre to get involved because of her earlier project called Connecting Communities through Stitch. “I believe in the ability of stitching to help people socialise,” she says. “It encourages chatting and is also a big stress release.”

Working with people with dementia was a challenge. “I spent a lot of time on the floor looking for needles,” she says.

The exhibition also celebrates the current resurgence of skills that were handed down through the generations. It features knitting, crochet, handbags, cushions, textile artworks, blankets and other crafts.

The exhibition opened on August 4, but was officially opened on August 8 by Simon Holst – Dame Alison Holst has made pieces for the show.