Note from Shonna: I met Mily via my Cinderella’s Dress blog tour back in June. I noticed right away her creative touch: (Check out her pretty blog design and you’ll see what I mean: The YA’s Nightstand) Since then I’ve been following her on Twitter. The other day she posted a picture of some impressive embroidery. Ever since learning lace tatting for one of my characters, I’ve become more aware of handicrafts and the effort involved in creating something beautiful. I followed the link to the Blood Bag Project and was hooked even more. I don’t have an illness that requires blood transfusions, but I do have rare blood and seem to be on the blood bank’s speed dial. I asked Mily if she’d be willing to guest blog for me and tell you all about it. May her story inspire you, as well.
The Blood Bag Project
I guess the first thing you need to know is that I’m a Textiles student at university and over the summer I have been researching how you can use craft to create awareness and help spread important messages.
Throughout my research I stumbled upon several amazing projects that were all inspirational and innovative. However, there was one that stood out for me and that was The Blood Bag Project.
The Blood Bag Project (TBBP) is a UK based campaign that helps raise awareness for a rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia (DBA). Now I don’t know about you, but until I came across TBBP I hadn’t heard of this
condition. I was also unaware of just how simple it is to save a life.
condition. I was also unaware of just how simple it is to save a life.
The project was started because of Chloe, and this is her story:
“ Three year old Chloe suffers from a rare blood condition called Diamond Blackfan Anaemia. This means that her bone marrow does not create new red blood cells, causing her to become severely anaemic very quickly. There are thought to be around 125 sufferers in the UK and only 700 worldwide
As a result, Chloe has blood transfusions every 3-4 weeks, receiving her first two whilst still in the womb. The tot is the youngest person in the UK to have a port fitted in her chest, after her veins collapsed from being over used. When Chloe reaches the age of ten, she will be strong enough to undergo chemotherapy and receive a bone marrow transplant. Until then, she will need more than thirty five pints of blood and will have had around 120 transfusions to keep her alive.”
The
Blood Bag Project (2012) Chloe and
Diamond Blackfan Anaemia [online] Available at: http://www.thebloodbagproject.com/#!chloe-and-dba
Blood Bag Project (2012) Chloe and
Diamond Blackfan Anaemia [online] Available at: http://www.thebloodbagproject.com/#!chloe-and-dba
[Accessed
10th July 2014]
10th July 2014]
The project itself is a simple one. What they ask is that you follow a simple template and create your own textile blood bag. You can use any materials and techniques you want, all they ask is that you use textiles to make it. These bags are used in the campaign and help generate a collection that TBBP exhibits. These exhibitions help generate that awareness that is all so important. It’s not a charity, it’s a project. It was set up to help inform and educate on DBA and to get people more involved in craft.
Not all people can donate blood. There are many people who can’t for one reason or another and this is a great way to help a worthwhile cause if you can’t help in the more traditional way. I think that is why I was drawn to this project. It’s so simple to help and the cause is an important one. No, it’s not the biggest campaign in the world and it’s not one a lot of people know about but that doesn’t make it any less important. It’s a humble message and a
fantastic way to get people involved in craft again.
fantastic way to get people involved in craft again.
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24th February – 10th March 2014 at Packhorse Gallery,
Huddersfield |
The above bags were made by: Kate from Huddersfield, Sarah from Greater Manchester & Julia from Switzerland
When we were little we all did crafts. Whether it was sewing with your mum or finger painting at pre-school. It is part of our childhoods. However, as we grow up a lot of people loose interest in it, they become focused on schooling and then the real world takes hold. The love for craft is lost along the way and it is something I feel very strongly about. Craft is something we should all take pride in and TBBP – along with quite a few other campaigns – hope to get people back into their creative ways while doing something important.
I’ve spoken briefly to Leigh, the mastermind behind this inspirational project, for my research and she said that the aim is to inform people about DBA. She’s has had just over 400 bags sent to her, which means there now 400 more people that are aware of DBA – myself included.
I don’t know about you, but I’d call that a success.
This project is completely reliant on word of mouth. It’s on going and anything you have to offer is appreciated. I created my own bag for this project recently. I spent around 5 hours stitching in every detail, as I wanted to create something beautiful out of a subject that a lot of people find squeamish. Blood can save a life and I wanted to show the beauty in that through hand embroidery.
Photographs of my blood bag. I’ve used several different hand embroidery techniques to great the ‘blood’ and stuffed it with teddy bear studding.
So if you have a spare moment, check out The Blood Bag Project. Discover what DBA really is and get involved. Let your creative side free and help a worthwhile cause in the process.
Thank you for having me on your site!
It’s such a great cause and ANY kind of help is muchly appreciated!
Mily x