She Lives in Me: A Reflective Art & Embroidery Session

Have you ever caught yourself repeating something your mum used to say? Or felt steadier in a hard moment because of a teacher, auntie, friend, neighbour, or colleague who once showed you a different way to be?

This March, for Women's History Month, we’re making space for that kind of remembering. On Tuesday 17th March from 12pm to 2pm, we’re hosting “She Lives in Me”, a reflective art session at Health Defence Organics where you’ll create a small embroidered piece inspired by an influential woman in your life.

This session is run by the CIC Sanctuary for Sisterhood, whose work centres on supporting the holistic health of domestic violence survivors. That background shapes a soulful, gentle approach to creativity and care — while the session itself is open to everyone who wants a thoughtful, welcoming space to stitch, reflect, and connect.

What “She Lives in Me” Is All About

“She Lives in Me” is a simple idea with a lot of heart: you choose a woman who has shaped you (past or present, family or not) and create an embroidered piece that captures what she passed on.

That might be:

• a word she used to say (“steady”, “breathe”, “keep going”)

• a symbol that reminds you of her (a flower, a star, a house, a wave)

• an object from memory (a teacup, a book, a sewing needle, a bus ticket)

• a colour palette that feels like her

You don’t need to be “artistic” to do this. If you can make a few basic stitches, you can make something meaningful.

Women’s History Month, Made Personal

Women’s History Month often highlights the well-known names — campaigners, writers, pioneers. We love that. But it can also be a chance to honour the women who shaped our everyday lives in quieter ways: the ones who modelled courage, humour, boundaries, kindness, or sheer persistence.

Embroidery has long been part of women’s history too — not just as decoration, but as storytelling, record-keeping, and an outlet for identity and emotion. This session taps into that lineage, in a modern, personal way.

What You’ll Do in the Session (Beginner-Friendly)

This is a reflective workshop first, and an embroidery session second — but you’ll still leave with practical skills and a finished (or well-started) piece.

We’ll guide you through:

1. A gentle prompt + reflection to help you choose who you’re stitching for and what you want to honour

2. Design planning made easy (simple shapes, words, and symbols — no drawing skills needed)

3. Basic stitches you can use straight away (outline stitches, simple fills, texture stitches)

4. Colour and texture choices that help your piece feel personal

5. Finishing ideas so your work can become a small keepsake (a hoop piece, patch, or card-ready textile)

You’re welcome to work quietly, chat as you stitch, or simply be in the room and take it in. No pressure.

Practical Details

When: Tuesday 17th March, 12pm - 2pm

Where: Health Defence Organics, 132a King Street, Hammersmith

What to bring: If you have a small piece of fabric you’d like to stitch on, bring it along (cotton or linen is ideal). We’ll have materials available too, so you can still join even if you come empty-handed.

Skill level: All abilities welcome, from “I’ve never threaded a needle” to “I’ve embroidered before.” This is gentle, guided, and about meaning over perfection.

Booking: Tickets are free, but booking is required as spaces are limited. Book on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/she-lives-in-me-a-reflective-embroidery-session-womens-history-month-tickets-1982984156994?aff=oddtdtcreator

A Note on Sanctuary for Sisterhood

Sanctuary for Sisterhood is a CIC doing dedicated work to support the holistic health of domestic violence survivors. Their sessions are rooted in dignity, choice, and nervous-system-friendly pacing — the kind of care that helps people feel safe enough to create.

For this event, that means you can expect a warm, respectful environment where you can take your time, keep things simple, and make something that feels true to you.

Join Us This March

If you’re craving a creative reset in the middle of the day — something calm, meaningful, and hands-on — “She Lives in Me” is for you. Come as you are, stitch at your own pace, and leave with a small piece of art that carries a story.

Pop into Health Defence Organics at 132a King Street, Hammersmith to register your interest, and keep Tuesday 17th March (12pm–2pm) in your diary.