THE FABRIC of Matfen’s community has been woven even closer with all generations coming together for a colourful creative project.

Young and old have been working together over the last few months to stitch and string 200 metres of bunting for the upcoming village fete.

And the colours of Matfen will be on show after residents’ old dresses, shirts and even 1970s curtains were thrown into the mix.

Villager Jeannie Brady, who is involved in organising the fete, came up with the idea of creating an inter-generational project in February this year.

Jeannie, who runs a soft furnishings company in Hexham, decided that a mammoth sewing project would bring young and old together in Matfen.

So on March 12, the first Bunting Breakfast was held, with Jeannie’s husband Kieran providing croissants and coffee for the crafters.

Each session attracted more than 20 keen stitchers, and from four-year-olds to those in their 60s and 70s, there was a role for all.

A plea for donations resulted in a cornucopia of cotton, including fabrics from Rwanda and Brazil.

Jeannie brought her three daughters, Florence (4), Violet (8) and Ada (10) to the sessions.

She said: “We had a template to cut out bunting flags, then had a production line for sewing and pressing them.

“Everyone seemed to have a great time, the older children learned how to use a sewing machine and the younger ones cut out the triangles.

“The older women, especially, had sewing skills they passed on to others.

“I feel that the bunting project has brought Matfen closer together. I’ve lived here for 10 years and have now met people I’d never known before.

Bunting Breakfasts have been held fortnightly since then, and the project is now nearing completion, with just 50m of bunting yet to stitch.

The end result will be strung about the village for Matfen Village Fete on July 1.