Do you love cross stitch and would like to spend some quality time practising your hobby with fellow enthusiasts? Then a new club is being set up just for you.
Encouraging future members to simply “stitch, chat and unwind”, the Tales and Threads Club will kick off in April with monthly gatherings taking place at the Central Public Library in Floriana.
The initiative will offer those attending a starter kit, a warm cup of tea or coffee, and the chance to connect with fellow creatives. What more could you ask for?
The club is the brainchild of Bernadette Felice Hare, a senior manager responsible for projects at Malta Libraries.
“It originated from my passion for cross stitch and needlework crafts. I felt a lack of connection group for this same purpose,” Felice Hare says.
“The idea is to bring like-minded individuals together and share experiences on cross stitch and other crafts in an environment where everyone does his own project or learns a new one.”
The club is open to all ages… above 10 − just because “there is a needle involved”, Felice points out. But both beginners and also experienced stitchers are welcome.
During the first session, attendees will be given a a cross-stitch kit to get them started, especially newbies.
However, seasoned stitchers are encouraged to bring their own project and share it with others, for a “richer experience”, Felice Hare says.
“Cross stitch and other needlecraft work is very therapeutic and healing”
Members will also get the chance to showcase their work at an end-of-year exhibition in December.
During the meetings, Malta Libraries will make available a choice of books about the subject, either to reference on the day or to loan out.
Felice Hare says that the response to the initiative has been “very positive”.
“It has shown that there was a need for such a club. It is nearly full up!” she says enthusiastically, adding that new attendees will be able to join down the line as seasoned stitchers will not require any attention and, therefore, the club would be able to take more people.
“Cross stitch and other needlecraft work is very therapeutic and healing, and would surely aide in helping mental health improvement.”
For more information and to join the Tales and Threads Club, e-mail bernadette.felice-hare@gov.mt.
