embroidery / profile
Stitch by Stitch
“Only remembered by what you have done, and I have done a lot, if I am remembered by what I have done, I won’t be forgotten.”
In “Stitch by Stitch“, the documentary beautifully captures the life and legacy of Carmen Eugenia Conolly, an 88-year-old master of embroidery and needlework from the District of East End, Gun Bay in the Cayman Islands. The film chronicles her journey from helping her mother make thatch ropes as a child to becoming an accomplished seamstress and embroidery artist.
Carmen’s story is one of passion and perseverance. She learned to sew by making doll dresses from leftover fabric in her aunt’s dressmaking room and eventually mastered embroidery and crochet. Her love for needlework is evident as she recounts winning top prizes in local competitions and even dreaming of new designs to create.
The documentary also highlights Carmen’s deep sense of community and generosity. She shares touching stories of sewing uniforms for local children and organizing massive sewing efforts to help children in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Her dedication to her craft and her community is further emphasized by her refusal to stop working despite her age, driven by the belief that she is only remembered by what she has done.
Through personal reflections and a showcase of her intricate handiwork, “Stitch by Stitch” offers a heartfelt look at Carmen’s contributions to her community and the enduring impact of her artistry and generosity.
YEAR:
2024
Starring:
Carmen Eugenia Conolly
DIRECTOR:
Garth Humphreys
Music:
Garth Humphreys
