Abergavenny Crafty Women are celebrating becoming a formally-constituted group.

The project was started back in January 2013, at Wellfield Hall in Abergavenny, by local arts charity Arts Alive Wales.

The aim of the weekly creative textiles group - a partnership initiative commissioned by Monmouthshire Housing Association - was to reduce isolation and improve resilience and wellbeing for women tenants living in North Abergavenny communities.

Crafty Women took off quickly and its success soon won awards and accolades.

A second group was launched in 2014 for complete beginners and women with high support needs.

Since then, both groups have gone from strength to strength, making, selling and exhibiting their own work and undertaking sewing commissions.

For its members, however, enjoyment is the most important thing - making new friends and sharing laughs and skills

For the full story see next week’s Chronicle.