A TALENTED resident at a not-for-profit Sanctuary Care home in Middlesbrough has rekindled her lifelong love of sewing – one stitch at a time.
Cherise Chapman, who lives at Nunthorpe Oaks, learned to sew at school. Her early career repairing clothes led her to the John Colliers factory in Guisborough, where her passion for sewing flourished.
She began making toys, starting with Paddington Bear and later creating Wombles and Dusty Bin characters.
Cherise spent six years trading at Stockton Market, where she built lasting friendships and a loyal customer base. She also made dancewear for her daughter, costumes for a local jazz band and outfits for an amateur dramatics group.
After many years away from sewing, Cherise’s passion has been reignited, after a team member brought a sewing machine into the home for crafting.
“I was nervous at first,” she said. “But with encouragement from the team, my confidence grew.
“Sewing gives me purpose. It makes me feel like I’ve achieved something—especially when I see the final product.”
Since then, Cherise has created a variety of handmade items, including pieces sold at the home’s community fetes. Most recently, she completed a colourful outdoor cushion for a garden project.
Sharon Sperring, the Sanctuary Care home’s manager, added: “Our mission is to ensure all our lovely residents continue to enjoy the things they are passionate about every day.”