It is good to embroider together, as people motivate, inspire and support each other and share knowledge in this process. It also feels great to see others in the process of creating beautiful and meaningful things week after week.

To embroider together with other people, you can join one of the existing embroidery circles in several places in the Netherlands. Some of them are organised by NYTKY project and some by other passionate and inspiring people.

In embroidery circles organised by NYTKY we combine creative activities with peer-to-peer support, using methods from art therapy and self-help groups. While embroidering, we share things that matter to us at the moment or in this period, those that bother us or make us hopeful. And everyone in the circle has an opportunity to share what she wants and needs to and to receive support and encouragement.

We find that this self-support group approach adds great value to a gathering.

You can download here simple rules for self-support groups that are important for psychological safety and comfort of all participants as well as a canvas for group conversations that we have developed.

Main rules for organising the groups
Framework for group discussions

Embroidery Circles

You can find here an overview, schedule and contact details of existing Ukrainian embroidery circles in the Netherlands, those that we organise ourselves and those that we know, as well as useful resources and materials that can be used by them.

Amsterdam:

NYTKY embroidery circle and self-support group

Location: Riekerhof shelter, Johan Jongkindstraat 3, 1062 CK Amsterdam. Common room on the ground floor

Language: Ukrainian

Schedule:
Saturday 31 August 13:00-15:00
Saturday 28 September 13:00-15:00
more gatherings will be planned

How to join: You can just come for one of the gatherings and then join the Telegram group.

Contact: Polina Reznychenko

Email: reznychenkopolina@gmail.com

Leidschendam:

NYTKY embroidery circle and self-support group

Location: Vlietweg 16-17, 2266 KA, Leidschendam, Common room on the ground floor

Language: Ukrainian

Schedule:
Saturday 9 November 13:00-15:00
Saturday 14 December 13:00-15:00
Saturday 11 January 13:00-15:00
Saturday 8 February 13:00-15:00

How to join: You can just come for one of the gatherings and then join the Telegram group.

Contact: Polina Reznychenko

Email: reznychenkopolina@gmail.com

Start a new circle

If you cannot find an existing circles in your area, you can also just start one, as it is not difficult and very rewarding.

Location:
It is often possible to get together for an activity like this in public spaces like libraries, community centres or cafes. You can either just start doing this, or decide to contact a location to get their general approval. In our experience most libraries and community centres happily welcome embroidery groups.

Community:
You can make an announcement of your gatherings in temporary residence locations for Ukrainian people in your city, or just popular telegram chats. In our experience many people get interested in such gatherings and the group gradually grows.

Contact & Support:
You can also reach out to us for contacts, support, embroidery schemes, materials and self-support group resources to start your group. We will be happy to help you!

Coordinator: Polina Reznychenko

Email: reznychenkopolina@gmail.com

Materials:
You can buy materials for embroidery in several shops in the Netherlands. We mention them and other useful embroidery resources in this document.

If you reach out to us for organising a new circle, we can also provide you with a free package of schemes and materials.