STITCH gathers cohorts of women for pop up workshops where they are invited to share birth stories, eat cake (wherever possible) and create embroidered artworks that respond in some way to their own personal birth experiences.

It can feel like there is no place for birth stories, especially beyond those first few months after a baby is born, and that these complex, confusing and at times traumatic experiences can be buried with no safe space in which they can be shared. We want to create a space to explore people’s WHOLE stories, not just the edited versions, whilst celebrating the differences and similarities in each unique narrative. We also want to explore those vivid fragments of memory that seem to burst out of the blur, the phrases that have stuck with people, the images that return to them again and again. Katie has collaborated with artist Anna Aroussi to develop a workshop series, a pop up exhibition & STITCH kits.

You can see all the STITCH artworks made and shared so far, and the stories behind them, in our online gallery. More artworks are being added all the time!

STITCH was first trialled with a group of Exeter mothers, who attended a series of workshops, sharing tea, stories & cake & learning embroidery techniques. The resulting artworks form the basis of an ever growing exhibition that will tour nationally. One day we hope to be able to fill an entire gallery with STITCH artworks from all over the world, diversifying & deepening our relationships with birth stories.

Anybody can be a STITCH artist- if you have a birth story you can make a STITCH. This year we are trialling our STITCH packs, which will be available after performances of WILD & alongside our touring exhibition. Packs will include everything you need to create your own piece responding to your own story, including tools, materials & instructions. Contact us to find out more.