Residents at Edwalton Manor Care Home have been putting their sewing skills to good use by contributing to a special community quilt project celebrating the 25th anniversary of local homelessness charity Framework.
The home's sewing circle partnered with Framework to create 25 individual quilt panels, which will form part of a much larger community artwork. Once completed, the quilt will feature more than 250 panels created by individuals and groups from across the region and will measure an impressive 11 feet high by 20 feet wide.
For many residents, the project offered an opportunity to combine creativity with community involvement while supporting an important cause.
Resident Eileen Scivier, aged 93, who began her career as a window dresser at the age of 14, was delighted to take part in the initiative.
She said: "It's activities like this that make us feel useful. I believe when you do anything creative you are never truly alone, that's what makes this project so special."
Fellow resident Joanna Hanson, aged 82, has a lifelong passion for sewing. After leaving school at 17, she worked for fashion designer Martin Emprex before later making clothes for her own children.
Joanna said: "I really enjoyed helping the ladies with their designs whilst helping to make the community quilt."
Framework was established in 2001 and has spent the past 25 years supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and social exclusion across the region. To mark this milestone anniversary, the charity has launched a series of creative projects and events throughout 2026, including the Community Quilt initiative.
Community Fundraiser at Framework, Loren Shore, explained the significance of the project: "A quilt is more than an artwork – it is a symbol of warmth, safety and security. For many of the people Framework supports, these are things that have been missing.
"Rough sleeping often means facing cold, isolation and insecurity, sometimes with nothing more than a cardboard box for protection. In this context, the quilt becomes a powerful visual metaphor for what everyone deserves: warmth, care, dignity and a sense of belonging."
Alice Kirkby, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coordinator at Edwalton Manor, said: "Sewing has always been something people can do side by side while chatting and sharing stories, so this project has been a lovely way for us all to spend time together while supporting such an important cause."
The project has provided residents with a meaningful opportunity to share their talents, connect with the wider community and contribute to a cause that reflects the values of compassion and togetherness that are at the heart of life at Edwalton Manor.
The completed quilt will be unveiled for the first time at Framework's annual Carol Service at Southwell Minster in December before going on display at Lincoln Cathedral and a Nottingham city centre venue.