This year I've decided to join The Big Sew Off, and sew for 24-hours in aid of the charity Mind. As many of you might know, I started sewing a few years ago on a mini machine I got from Aldi. Little did I know at the time that I'd come to amass a fabric cupboard, complete with accessories, that would closely rival Aladdin's cave.

As I've been agonising over the final year of my PhD, sewing has been one of the few things that's kept me marginally sane. I've made everything from wee-wee-teepees to wedding guest dresses to upcycled denim bags. For as long as my bobbin doesn't break and my machine tension behaves, sewing has been my happy place.

This is why I've opted to join the Sew Off! As well as giving myself 2 guilt-free days away from the PhD, it just makes sense to use my mental health coping mechanism to raise money for the charity Mind.

I'll be joining the Sew Over It team from home, while they host The Big Sew Off at New Craft House in East London.

Sew Over It are running a giveaway for all of those that have donated via their Just Giving page once the Big Sew Off is over. If you'd like to be included in the giveaway make sure that you leave your contact details so they can add you into the draw.

NB. Anonymous donations will not be entered into the prize draw as we won't have a way to contact the winner! If you've already made an anonymous donation and would like to be included in the draw then please email info@sewoverit.com with proof of your donation and we'll make sure that you're entered into the giveaway.