I know that CYT listeners love to hear how sewing is being used to positively impact the lives of others, so I know you’re going to love today’s episode! For years, Mel Keane has been improving the lives of members of her community who are struggling through various types of volunteering. This has included setting up sewing workshops to help people clothe themselves and their families, as well as to build skills and confidence. The workshops Mel facilitated at a refugee centre helped forge a sense of community for people who found themselves isolated. And more recently, the sewing classes she runs help the participants find a sense of calm and stillness in otherwise very stressful lives. 

Support the podcast over on Patreon!

Find Mel on Instagram (@melaniekeane).

Visit The Lighthouse’s website to learn more about where Mel volunteers:

The Stash Hub app helps Mel keep track of the donated fabrics. 

Mel starting (non-scrub) garment making using the PJs pattern in Tilly and the Buttons Love At First Stitch book.

She then moved on to Closet Core Pattern’s Carolyn Pajamas pattern.

Mel is active in the @SewOver50 community and helped start up @surreysews.

You can help them raise money for Sewing Stillness by attending the SewFizzTeaCated fundraising event that is taking place on Saturday 19th October 2024:

…or by participating in the #SewFizzTeaCated24 sewing challenge:

Mel will be hosting a session at The Virtual Sewing Room on Wednesday 18th September.