AN artist leading a sewing project inspired by the Quaker Tapestries is urging people stuck at home because of coronavirus to get involved as it moves online.

Darlington artist Sarah Oatley, of Drawn Threads, had been leading workshops at the town's Head of Steam Museum.

But because of the pandemic, she has decided to continue the sessions via social media with the aim of running an exhibition later in the year.

She said: "It's a new way of thinking but we need to do it because this might be going on for months.

"As long as we can contact each other on Facebook and on the internet we can get far more people involved than could have come to Head of Steam. People have more time on their hands as well."

She added: "Everyone can still be included which the most important thing when everything is so crazy.

"We all need to be anchored to something. It's a really good way to be part of a community and a project."

The project was inspired by the Quaker Tapestries, which are on display in Kendal and feature 77 panels made by 4,000 people.

They explore the Quaker influence on the modern world from the industrial revolution, developments in science and medicine and astronomy, to the abolition of slavery, social reform, and ecology.

The aim of the project at Head of Steam is to create a new tapestry, which will be made up of sections created by different people and joined together.

As a starting point people are being encouraged to take an affirmative word and start sewing it.

Ms Oatley, who has a studio in Parkgate, said: "If you think you're kind, write kind and start sewing it. Or if you think you're unjudgemental start with that.

"The reason I wanted to do it was because if you give a lot of people a pencil and piece of paper and tell them to draw, they'll say they can't do it. But if you give people some fabric and a needle it breaks down a lot of barriers and anxiety."

The painter and textile artist, whose own design features the word "unjudgemental" and her family, added: "With what's happening with coronavirus our families have become even more important and doing things that makes us happy is important.

"It's at the forefront of everyone's mind, trying to do stuff that makes you happy.

Anyone who wants to take part can get started with any fabric, or hessian if they have it, and thread or wool.

For more information contact Ms Oatley by emailing drawnthreads.uk@gmail.com or calling 07970048802.