For the past three years, St John the Baptist Church, Colerne, and Wild Colerne have worked together to run a summer sewing project that brings creativity, community and care for creation together in a unique way.
Open to people of all ages, the group meets weekly during July and August. Gatherings take place in the cool of the church building, where participants sew, chat and reflect on God’s love for the natural world and our shared responsibility to be good stewards of it. Many who attend are not otherwise involved in church life, making the project an important point of connection within the parish.
The groups first project, and the culmination of two years of work, was a unique, intricate altar cloth which is used at Harvest and Eco-church events. Building on this success, the group began a new project in 2025, creating a wedding cloth using appliqué techniques. Brides and Grooms will now sign the Marriage Register on the cloth during wedding ceremonies in the church.
Environmental responsibility sits at the heart of the project, and most of the fabric used has been recycled or repurposed. The base linen cloth was a wedding present belonging to one of the group members and dates back to 1940, having previously been owned by her mother. Additionally, much of the fabric was also donated by a person no longer able to pursue their quilting hobby.
Through shared skills, recycled materials and open conversation, the summer sewing project is an excellent example of creation care lived out in practical, creative and welcoming ways.
If you are interested in Eco Church and would like to learn about how your Church can get involved, please email environment@bristoldiocese.org.