From the tiny seed of an idea in February this year, a group of keen stitchers and crafters in Dartmouth have got underway with a project to dress the town with 4000 handmade pennant flags in August and September 2020. In predominately red, white and blue and with all standards and ideas welcome, over 50 people have already provided pennants and a further 40 people have helped by contributing fabrics, buttons, ribbons, cash and workspace. The project has caught the imagination of stitchers from Yorkshire to Essex via Shropshire through Gloucestershire and all over the South Hams, in addition to a team in Dartmouth USA are also beavering away and have already made 75.
With the count of finished pennants currently standing at over 2130, all safely stored in someone’s loft, the team feel well on the way to their ambitious target. The quality of imagination and skills has been extraordinary, including the use of appliqué, embroidery, quilting, binding, freestyle machining, etc. Several people have reported that they have learnt new skills they will use again in the future, and others have refreshed techniques they hadn’t used in years. Several smaller groups are meeting at one another’s homes so the project has encouraged fellowship and connections across town, as well as a wonderful community spirit.
There are plans for a two-day exhibition in the spring to be held in central Dartmouth, when the public can come and see the pennants close up (which will be particularly interesting as most pennants many will be hung on high). Visitors will also be able to see pennants being made. Hopefully this will inspire more people to get inspired and contribute a few themselves, or donate much-needed fabric and thread.
