Launch of 25 piece Textile Challenge for Canine Partners 25th anniversary

Duchess of Cambridge wedding dress embroiderer Olive Rowell is calling on people to take part in her 25-piece Textile Art Challenge to raise money for assistance dog charity Canine Partners in its 25th anniversary year.

Olive, who was one of a team of 60 chosen to embroider the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress under strict confidentiality at the Royal School of Needlework in the lead up to the Royal wedding in 2011, is challenging people to buy a pack of 25 fabrics and use all of them, in whole or part, to create a finished piece.

All proceeds from the pack – which cost £10 – will go to Canine Partners, a charity which trains assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

Olive has an honours degree in Hand Embroidery achieved at the Royal School of Needlework and is an exhibiting member of the Wey Valley Workshop of textile artists.

Olive, from Haslemere, said: “I thought the Textile Art Challenge would be a fun way for people to be creative while also supporting a local charity, Canine Partners.

“The base of the project doesn’t have to be fabric so you could add wood, plastic or ceramics. Participants don’t have to sew but can glue, paint or even rivet to make the finished piece, the choice is yours.

“I am also planning an exciting exhibition in February of all the finished pieces.”

Canine Partners, which was founded in 1990, trains dogs to help with everyday tasks people with disabilities would otherwise find difficult, painful or impossible including opening doors, undressing, pressing buttons, and fetching dropped items. The dogs increase independence, confidence and provide loving companionship.

Kay Gilmore, Canine Partners Regional Fundraiser, said: “This is a great way for people to show their creative side, no matter how old or young you are!

“We are grateful to Olive for donating the proceeds to Canine Partners and we can’t wait to see what pieces of art are made from the textile packs.

“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding so relies solely on donations and legacies to continue its life-changing work.”

If you are interested in taking on the Textile Challenge please contact Olive on 01428 642507 or visit facebook.com/textilechallenge for more information.