Men are weaving an important message about respect for women in their life one thread at a time.
The Mens Thread is a needlepoint project being run by Victoria University as part of the 16 Days of Activism program.
Over a period of four months, renowned textiles artist Jessie Deane is mentoring the men to create a needlepoint work containing words around the theme of respect.
Participant Craig Rowley said the first of two workshops was used to devise a concept for their needlepoint works and to learn the basics of the craft.
“Jessie makes it look really easy, but for someone who is sight-challenged it’s not so straightforward,” he said.
“I find threading the needle the hardest bit.”
Mr Rowley, the chief executive of western suburbs lobby group LeadWest, is stitching together the phrase “We Respect”.
He said the phrase appealed for containing both the word respect and the letters of west, as well as offering the opportunity to promote equality by using the colours of the rainbow flag.
Mr Rowley has so far spent more than 50 hours on his needlework, snatching any moment he can to add to it.
He said the men working on the project had created a Facebook discussion group to share their progress.
“It has been great for connecting; it’s such a diversity of people and experiences of life.”
The completed works will be on display at Whitten Oval during the 16 Days of Activism from November 24 to December 10.
