The Pittenweem Community Craft project is an annual event where handmade items are sold for charity during the Pittenweem Arts Festival.
This vibrant community project inspires both local residents and visitors to make a wide range of items, sometimes learning new techniques.
It creates a wonderful display of handcraft skills and it raises funds for many diverse causes. Since 2009 it has donated over £27,000 to local charities.
Project co-ordinator Anne-Marijke has brought together knitters, crocheters, patchworkers, sewers, embroiderers, cross stitchers and felters.
Each year they are inspired by a theme.
So far the group have made fish, tea cosies, hats, flowers, and cushions, and been inspired by hearts, thistles, Christmas, owls and cosy winter warmers.
Hearts & Crafts 2018, Bunny Egg Cosy (available to buy on Ravelry)
Items are sold during the Pittenweem Arts Festival which takes place annually at the beginning of August.
Proceeds are then split and donated to charity groups.
Beneficiaries have included local organisations like the East Neuk Community Trust and the East Neuk Food Bank as well as the local branch of national charities such as Marie Curie Cancer Care and Alzheimer Scotland.
The Arts Festival was cancelled due to covid in 2020 and 2021. However, another venue was secured at the Pittenweem Library and after two sale events £1189 was donated to this community led service.
The Arts Festival is going ahead 2022 and the Pittenweem Community Craft project will be back in its usual venue at the Coastline Community Church from Saturday 6th to Saturday 13th August 2022.
This year the theme is Feathered Friends. The chosen charities are Kilminning Nature Reserve project in Crail and the DEC Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
All the fibre handcrafts like knitting, crochet, patchwork, sewing, embroidery, cross stitch and felting are welcome and you can donate items inspired by birds and feathers.
All experience levels can join in and you can hand in or send items to the Pittenweem shop.
It's a great opportunity to try out a new technique, maybe make something you wouldn't normally consider. You can make a dent in your yarn and fabric stash and support charitable groups.
To be successful (over £27,000 raised since 2009!) the group sells a wide variety of items - from beautifully simple to stunningly complex across a range of sizes and prices.
Blue Tit (free pattern available on Ravelry)
There are lots of possibilities. Not just cute bird ornaments but bird and feather motifs in stranded colourwork and feather and fan lacework.
Check out this bundle of knit and crochet patterns on Ravelry for ideas (I'll be adding to it regularly).
It's A Hoot 2015, Tooley Owl (available to buy on Ravelry)
And don't forget project ideas from It's A Hoot in 2015. Check out our Pinterest board created for that project.
There would normally be get togethers in the Pittenweem shop to exchange stash and ideas. None are scheduled yet but you can follow Pittenweem Community Crafts on Instagram.
Anne-Marijke also has a board on Pinterest for project inspiration and sends regular emails with project updates. If you'd like to be added to this list let me know. Either by email, through our contact form or pop into the shop.
The Woolly Brew will share images and ideas too, on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. And no doubt a project will end up on coffee table WiPs. 😆
You can follow all our Pittenweem Community Craft Project updates on our blog here.
And finally, there are lots of ways to support this Community Craft Project:
- Donate a handmade item for sale - you can drop it off at the Pittenweem shop.
- Volunteer to help with the exhibition - more info on this nearer the time.
- Share social media posts and tell your friends & family.
- Buy something during the annual Arts Festival at the Coastline Community Church in Pittenweem 6th to 13th August 2022.
Sea & Shore 2019
