The Red Dress

“Stitching the world back together one stitch at a time” -  

Isla Macleod (Kirstie's sister)

I had the privilege recently of seeing The Red Dress on display at Oakwell Hall in Birstall. Created by British artist Kirstie Macleod, the Red Dress is the result of a 14-year journey (2009-2023). The 380 contributors, from 51 countries, stitched their personal and cultural stories into 87 silk panels.

Some used embroidery styles passed down for generations; others stitched reflections on trauma, resilience and healing. Viewing the dress and learning about it was an incredibly moving experience. There was a powerful energy contained within those silk panels.

Many women's voices were there, including those of Rwandan widows whose embroidery signified moving "from darkness to light" after their experiences in the genocide. Kosovan women stitched their messages in words, rather than symbols: "Better one winter in your own country than a hundred Springs away."

Click here to listen to artist Kirstie Macleod talk about the dress and what it means to her and the significance of choosing the colour red. Click here to listen to UK embroiderers talking about their contributions to the project. 

Thanks to my good friend Sharon Lingwood  for making me aware of this amazing project and accompanying me on my visit. 

Don't forget to click on the links and please do share your thoughts and writing and comments.

Writing prompts: 

• If you were to stitch something into one of the dress panels, what would it be? Write about it and especially its significance.
• Think about the colour red then write about whatever springs to mind.
• Do you feel connected to other people across the world? How would it be to have no borders or boundaries?
  
• Have you ever taken part in a collaborative project? If so, describe it in your writing.
• What are the therapeutic benefits for you of creative activities such as stitching or writing?