In this episode of the Bag Makers Sew-Ciety podcast, I sits down with the incredibly talented Melanie Keane. Melanie's story is one of transformation, community, and the healing power of sewing. From quilting to garment making, and now bag making, Melanie's journey reflects the broader impacts of crafting — beyond just the creation of beautiful items. This episode dives deep into how sewing became an unexpected family activity, a means of helping others, and a tool for personal mental well-being.
Melanie Keane's Sewing Journey: From Quilts to Bags.
When Melanie Keane first picked up sewing about five years ago, she had no idea where it would lead. Starting with quilts, her passion for the craft quickly grew. But it was the COVID-19 pandemic that truly deepened her connection to sewing. Melanie and her family came together to sew over 100 pairs of scrubs for frontline workers — an incredible feat of dedication and love. It wasn’t just Melanie behind the sewing machine either; her husband and sons joined in, making it a full-blown family affair.
After this intense period of making scrubs, Melanie expanded her sewing repertoire to include garments such as pyjamas and skirts. Eventually, she found herself drawn to bag making, a craft where her attention to detail and love for functional art really flourished. Bag making, with its blend of creativity and practicality, allowed Melanie to explore new techniques and designs.
Community Involvement: Volunteering and Teaching Through Sewing
Beyond her own sewing projects, Melanie's passion extended into community work. She has volunteered in some extraordinary places, including teaching sewing at an orphanage in India. But one of her most impactful projects started closer to home at a refugee centre in Guildford.
The refugee centre housed 150 people, many of whom were struggling with boredom and depression due to the uncertainty of their situations. Melanie noticed this and decided to act. After fundraising to purchase sewing machines, she started a sewing group at the centre, primarily targeting refugee women who needed a sense of purpose and community.
What began as a simple idea blossomed into something much bigger. The sewing group not only provided these women with a creative outlet but also helped them regain a sense of agency in their lives. For many, this was a step toward healing from their traumatic experiences. Melanie shared that watching these women learn and grow through sewing was incredibly rewarding, reinforcing the idea that crafting can be far more than just a hobby — it can be life-changing.
Cultural Exchange Through Sewing
One of the most fascinating aspects of Melanie's work at the refugee centre was the cultural exchange that occurred through sewing. Many of the women she worked with came from countries where sewing traditions differed vastly from those typically found in the UK. For example, instead of using patterns, some of these women were accustomed to measuring fabric by hand and sewing without templates. Melanie embraced this diversity and learned to appreciate their resourcefulness and adaptability.
This cultural blend created an enriching environment where Melanie wasn't just teaching but also learning from the women she was helping. Sewing became a universal language that bridged cultural gaps and fostered a sense of unity and belonging.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Sewing: A Conversation on Mental Health
Throughout the conversation, both Deb and Melanie touched on the therapeutic nature of sewing. For Melanie, sewing became a crucial tool for coping with mental health challenges, especially during the pandemic. The repetitive motions, the focus on intricate details, and the tangible progress made with each stitch provided a sense of calm and control in an otherwise chaotic time.
Deb echoed these sentiments, sharing how sewing helped her navigate tough moments as well. Their discussion emphasized the power of crafting as a form of therapy. Whether you're quilting, making garments, or designing bags, the simple act of creating something with your hands can have profound mental health benefits.
The Power of Community and Skill Sharing
A key takeaway from this episode is the importance of community. Sewing, much like other crafts, has a unique way of bringing people together. Whether it's family members pitching in to make scrubs during a global pandemic, or refugee women finding hope and purpose through a sewing group, the connections forged through shared creative activities are invaluable.
Melanie also highlighted the importance of passing on sewing skills to others. Teaching someone how to sew isn’t just about the technical aspects; it’s about empowering them to create, to express themselves, and to contribute to their community. Whether it’s through her work at the refugee centre or volunteering at the Stitch Festival, Melanie’s dedication to skill-sharing stands as a testament to the broader impact that one person’s passion can have.
Wrapping It Up: Sewing as a Tool for Healing and Connection
This episode of the "Bag Makers Sew-Ciety" podcast with Melanie Keane is a reminder that sewing is more than just needles and thread. It’s a tool for building connections, fostering community, and healing from life’s challenges. Melanie’s story, from her early days of quilting to her work with refugees, shows just how powerful sewing can be when paired with a heart for helping others.
Melanie now runs a vibrant sewing group called Surrey Sews, where she continues to foster creativity and community among local sewists. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, these sessions offer a welcoming space to share skills, work on projects, and connect with like-minded individuals. To learn more and get involved, follow @SurreySews on Instagram. For the full story behind Surrey Sews and Melanie’s inspiring journey, be sure to listen to this episode of the Bag Makers Sew-Ciety podcast!
You can follow Melanie on Instagram and see her amazing creations and follow her inspiring community work here.
Whether you’re an experienced sewist or just getting started, this episode offers inspiration and insight into the broader impact of the craft. Tune in to hear more from Melanie and learn how you, too, can make a difference in your community — one stitch at a time.
Until next time, happy sewing and may your bobbin always be full.
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