"Each stitch carries a story - of courage after hardship, of rebuilding confidence, of daring to dream of a new future." – The Esther Project

A spectacular community art project which brought together the collaborative creative efforts of vulnerable women across the region, was unveiled for the first time at a special event in Leamington last night (4 September).

Called 'Queen,' the impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete.

The seven-metre hooded cape is the initiative of The Esther Project, a Leamington-based CiC dedicated to supporting vulnerable women, including those dealing with mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, overcoming addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness.

It was completed with the backing of Leamington Town Council's Community Grant Fund, established to support Community and Voluntary groups with projects that are of benefit to the wider Leamington Spa community.

Called 'Queen,' the impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete (image via Nadia Sayed)

The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 - her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions.

Speaking to Nub News Lianne Kirkman, said: "Tonight we are unveiling our amazing cape, which is a queen cape.

"It's been made up of 1,000 crochet hearts and flowers by our Esther ladies, who are women that we support through the project, and a load of volunteers and loads of other female-only projects."

She added: "Tonight we are also recognising that each heart has a story behind it and the ladies who have made it have all got a story of resilience and courage, and that together in unity, we can bring something really beautiful.

"And that's what the Esther project's all about, it's about resilient courage and making steps for change.

"The women that we support at the Esther Project have come through quite challenging circumstances, including domestic abuse, mental health, addiction, homelessness and some of them in and out of the criminal justice system as well. 

"So we're about helping them get back to independent living and employment and getting their lives back."

Lianne captured next to the the Queen cape (image via Nadia Sayed)

Esther House - a seven-bed supported living accommodation, opens its doors for vulnerable women who need a safe space to recover.

Many of the ladies who attend The Esther Project's weekly support groups also had a hand in creating the designs, which were then meticulously sewn onto the cape over several weeks by a team of hardworking volunteers, overseen by Judith Perry.

Judith said: "The ladies have made various contributions involving learning new skills - not only crochet, but also papier mâché, fabric painting and beading, all of which adorn the cape. And many different organisations and individuals were involved in making the hearts and flowers, including local WI groups and members of Leamington Studio Artists."

Specially invited guests gathered to witness The Queen's grand unveiling at The Riverside Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens on Thursday, ahead of its tour of other locations in the town.

The cape is also on display at The Autumn Market at The Pump Rooms this weekend (September 6 to 7) as well as The Esther Project's Fundraising Dinner on 7 February at King's High School, in Warwick.

The cape was completed with the backing of Leamington Town Council's Community Grant Fund, established to support Community and Voluntary groups with projects that are of benefit to the wider Leamington Spa community (image via Alex James Harvey)

Further information about the work of The Esther Project can be found here and donations can be made here.

Lisa Nicolle, spokesperson for The Esther Project, added: "The Queen project exemplifies how craft and creativity can empower individuals, while building links with the wider community.

It brings together women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and breaking down barriers between age groups, skill levels and social experience.

"Each stitch carries a story - of courage after hardship, of rebuilding confidence, of daring to dream of a new future. Piece by piece, these individual creations have been joined together to form a spectacular cape fit for a queen.

"It is more than an artwork - it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when women stand together, support one another, and believe in themselves again. The project brings women together in a supportive and collaborative setting, reducing feelings of isolation."

She added: "Craft activities like crochet and patchwork promote relaxation and offer mental health benefits and participants gain a sense of pride and accomplishment by contributing to a visible and meaningful art installation.

"A group activity like this also fosters social bonds, which are crucial for mental health, as well as encouraging self-confidence, teaches planning, coordination, and project execution skills."

The Queen cape timeline (image via Nadia Sayed)