Patchwork and Needlecraft - therapy for stress:

Daisy Vittachi - an inspiration to women

Charmaine FERENANDO

Daisy Vittachi's 18th annual Patchwork and Needlecraft Exhibition and Competition is scheduled to be held on the October 2 to 3 2010 at the BMICH.

Daisy has been involved in the craft field for the past 26 years being an inspiration to countless women who have the inborn talents for craft designing and sewing but never had an opportunity to display their creativity.

It is interesting to learn that some, especially those who are troubled, take to sewing as a form of therapy which enables to calmly ponder on positive thoughts, while engaged in creating something beautiful. Daisy, who is very passionate about what she does, says 'It's easier to focus on a problem and put your thoughts in order when your mind is relaxed. Sewing provides a tranquility that enables this process'.

Though patchwork is an art and a craft combined, the science behind it is, that focus on creating patchwork, which needs a lot of concentration on the part of the creative women behind it, provides them an inner satisfaction while reaping for them untold benefits of calming the nerves and relieving stress, otherwise may cause immense health problems. For women who are battered, single parents, spinsters and those who need to get out of the routine fast life in to a kind of gathering oneself together this is the recommended therapy which will prove profitable on the run.

Over the years, this event has served as a platform for many women to showcase their products and set-up their own businesses which they run from the convenience of their homes. Some have even ventured into the Small and Medium industry by supplying their products to hotels and undertaking interior designing of homes etc.

Many others use this venue as a meeting place to link up with other crafts people and exchange the latest designs, techniques and general craft news tit-bits. With the dawning of peace throughout Sri Lanka this year many new entrants are expected from the newly liberated areas of the East and North who have been eagerly following Daisy's craft lessons on TV and the weekly women's tabloids.

This will open windows of new and exciting insights in to the lives of these women folk.

There will be over 20 table decorations and more than 10 patchwork bed-room projects on display in addition to many new craft designs, techniques and patterns.

Many items such as cushion covers, wall-hangings, cross stitch pictures, Brazilian embroidery, ribbon embroidery and quilts will also be on display.

A Patchwork Fashion Show' is also planned at the Auditorium before the prize-giving ceremony on the October 3rd which will be an eye opener for fashion gurus.

There will also be craft demonstrations by Mrs. Daisy Vittachi for the benefit of visitors to the show.

It is indeed encouraging to have many generous sponsors coming forward in support of women's work which also affords many attractive prizes for to the winners.

Come and be enthralled by the kaleidoscope of colours and myriad of intricate designs that are in fashion. Seeing is believing! Who knows you may end up gathering a whole host of exquisite works for decorating your home sweet home. If I am right you will no sooner, be launching a career in the craft with the blessings of the veteran in the field, Daisy, the demure designer!

Besides this show will open avenues to meet up with the women who create these amazing items.

It will be even more fascinating to learn what moves them.