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By

Bohdan Bozhenko*

Volunteer at The Devil’s Porridge Museum

A Month of Creativity and Collaboration

This month, Sewing Hope has been bursting with energy, creativity, and a strong sense of community. Each workshop has brought together people of all ages, proving that sewing is not just about fabric and thread—it’s about learning, sharing, and building meaningful connections. More importantly, it has shown how creativity can unite different generations in a truly inspiring way.

Bringing Generations Together

Children from Eastriggs Nursery and Eastriggs Primary School eagerly picked up their needles, excited to create something with their own hands. At the same time, the Lockerbie Brownies joined in with enthusiasm, carefully stitching their pieces while enjoying the process. Meanwhile, young artists from the Arts and Crafts Club added their own creative flair, making each session even more vibrant and engaging.

On the other hand, the senior ladies from the Cordite Club brought their wealth of experience, offering patient guidance and sharing heartfelt messages in their creations.

Moving Toward the Final Stage

As the workshops near completion, an exciting new phase is about to begin. Soon, all the individually stitched pieces will come together to form beautiful quilts. This transition from personal efforts to a shared masterpiece symbolizes the dedication and teamwork that have defined Sewing Hope. Moreover, it marks a significant milestone in the project, bringing everyone one step closer to seeing their collective work take shape.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

With so much progress already made, the journey is far from over. We’ll continue to share updates as the final quilts take shape, ensuring that everyone remains involved in this wonderful initiative. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay tuned for more news and heartwarming stories. Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who has contributed to this inspiring project—you have made a real difference!

*Bohdan Bozhenko is a young volunteer and a valued member of our Youth Empowerment Programme.

By

Bohdan Bozhenko*

Volunteer at The Devil’s Porridge Museum

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting communities worldwide. To raise awareness and inspire action, National Museums Scotland has launched an initiative called Sewing Hope: Quilts for Climate Change as part of Climate Change for All. This public engagement project, funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund, explores environmental sustainability through the art of quilting. The Devil’s Porridge Museum is proud to participate in this initiative, running workshops with local community groups, including Eastriggs Primary School, to craft meaningful quilts that symbolize hope in the face of the climate emergency.

The Goals of the Project

The Sewing Hope project aims to use quilting as a creative medium to foster dialogue about climate change and encourage community participation. By engaging with schools and local groups, the project seeks to:

– promote environmental awareness and sustainability.

– inspire individuals to reflect on their relationship with nature.

– provide a hands-on, artistic approach to climate education.

– encourage collaborative work within the community.

This project brings together the expertise of a scientist and an artist, merging scientific knowledge with creative expression. Their collaboration helps participants translate their concerns, hopes, and solutions regarding climate change into visual storytelling through quilt-making.

The Art of Quilting

Quilting is a centuries-old craft that involves sewing together layers of fabric to create intricate designs. Beyond being a form of artistic expression, quilting has long been used to tell stories, document history, and bring communities together. Within the Sewing Hope project, quilting becomes a tool for advocacy—each piece of fabric represents the collective vision of a more sustainable future.

Participants in the workshops could learn quilting techniques while discussing the impacts of climate change and ways to address it. The final quilts will be more than just beautiful works of art—they will serve as powerful symbols of resilience, unity, and hope.

Looking Ahead

The finished quilt will be displayed at The Devil’s Porridge Museum, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the powerful message woven into its fabric. Next year, it will also be exhibited at National Museums Scotland, reaching a broader audience and continuing to spark conversations about climate action.

Acknowledgments

We would like to extend our gratitude to National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund for making this initiative possible. Special thanks to the participants, volunteers, and educators who contributed to the creation of these quilts.

Photo Credits

All images are credited to: ©Andy Catlin

For images of the hanging quilts from the Toolkit, credit: National Museums Scotland

*Bohdan Bozhenko is a young volunteer and a valued member of our Youth Empowerment Programme.

Springside, a captivating novel by Jeannie Rothwell, is a historical narrative set against the backdrop of World War I. Drawing from real-life events and family history, Rothwell’s work delves into the personal struggles and emotional depth of the Brooks family, as they navigate the tumultuous realities of wartime Britain.

Inspired by Rothwell’s grandfather, James Dugdale Rothwell, who worked as a shift chemist at Dornock during the war, and the diaries of Geoffrey Higson, a chemist at H.M. Factory Gretna, Springside presents a vivid portrayal of the impact of the war on the home front. The novel intricately weaves together personal experiences with historical events, offering a profound exploration of love, loss, and survival.

James Dugdale Rothwell and Sarah Ethel Wright

The story follows Emily, the matriarch of the Brooks family, and Arthur, the manager of a dye works, as they face the challenges of supporting their loved ones during a time of great uncertainty. Rothwell’s meticulous research provides an authentic historical context. Through their eyes, readers experience the emotional weight of wartime sacrifice, the strain of separation, and the hope that endures even in the darkest times. What sets Springside apart is the way Rothwell humanizes history.

The novel is not just a recounting of events but a deeply personal story that connects readers with the personal journey of its characters. It’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit, illustrating the ways in which love and family can endure even amid the devastation of war.

Jeannie Rothwell presented her captivating novel Springside at The Devil’s Porridge Museum

As Springside explores themes of resilience and survival, it also shines a light on the lesser-known aspects of the Great War, highlighting the roles of ordinary people who faced extraordinary circumstances. The research that went into crafting the narrative is evident, as Rothwell brings the period to life with rich detail and a deep understanding of the historical context. Springside is more than just a novel—it’s an emotional journey that transports readers to a time of unimaginable hardship, while also offering a poignant reminder of the enduring power of family and love. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of compelling storytelling, or someone seeking an emotionally enriching read, Springside is a book that will leave a lasting impression.

Don’t miss the chance to own a copy of this remarkable novel, which will be available for purchase at The Devil’s Porridge Museum shop starting mid-January. Springside promises to captivate and move readers, making it a must-have addition to any book collection.