Stratford Poppy Project

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Calling all Crocheters and Knitters: Get involved in the Poppy Project!

The Town of Stratford is calling all Crocheters and Knitters to get involved in the Town’s Poppy Project ahead of Remembrance Day 2025. We will create a poppy drape, which will be displayed at the Stratford Town Centre for the Remembrance Day Service on November 11th.

All individuals contributing to this project will be recognized on our website once the poppy drape is completed.

Thank you to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) for awarding the Stratford Poppy Project a $5,000 Commemorative Partnership Program grant to support this project and honour the achievements and sacrifices of Canadian Veterans.

• Crochet or knit a poppy (or as many as you can) and drop off at Stratford Town Centre by November 1st, 2025. Goal is 8000 poppies. *(due to the overwhelming and positive community response, the goal was raised from 4000 poppies).

• Donations of red and black acrylic yarn (more info on type/colour is available below).
• Monetary donations: please contact Melanie Weatherbie at mweatherbie@townofstratford.ca or call 902-569-6925.
• Volunteer to host a knitting/crochet group.
• Volunteer to instruct a workshop on how to crochet or knit a poppy.
• Volunteer to tie poppies on the netting drape in November 2025.

Additional Info for Crocheters/Knitters:

Yarn is available free of charge at Stratford Town Centre for those wishing to crochet/knit. Kit bags are also available for you to sign out (please ensure you sign your name).

Please ensure you sign your name and the number of poppies you drop off as this info will be used to keep track of participants’ contributions.

Drop off locations:

• Town of Stratford (Office Reception Desk), Mon thru Fri (8:00am-4:00pm)
• Town of Stratford (Recreation Reception Desk), during opening hours
• Stratford Public Library (Information Desk), during opening hours (please do not use the book drop for this)

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Join our weekly Stitching Groups!

Want to learn how to crochet a poppy? Join this FREE weekly instructional crochet workshop:

• None scheduled at this time……

Join these FREE weekly stitching groups to crochet/knit poppies together. Please note these are NOT instructional groups:

• Mayflower Seniors Club (Cotton Centre: 57, Bunbury Road), Mondays from 9:30am-12:00pm (noon)
• Stratford Public Library (crafts group), Thursdays from 1pm-3pm

For additional information/inquiries, please contact Melanie Weatherbie at mweatherbie@townofstratford.ca or call 902-569-6925.

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FAQ
Q: Can I use any patterns to crochet/knit the poppy?
A: Please avoid using other patterns as they will not be included on the poppy drape. Poppies that were created using Wellington’s pattern will be donated to the Legion and will not be included in the Stratford project. 

Q: Can I make poppies of different sizes? 
A: For the aesthetic of the drape, we have a specific pattern and size requirement. Please ensure you are using our pattern (for the design and size) when making your poppies. Poppies should be 4-5 inches across in diameter.

Q: Why do I have to use acrylic yarn?
A: As the drape will be hung outdoors, poppies must be made from acrylic yarn to be able to withstand the elements. 

Q: I am still unsure about the size of my poppy. What can I do?
A: If you are still unsure, we are happy to provide you with a trace pattern (on paper) or feel free to drop by for a look at a sample during our office hours. Contact us for more info!

Q: Should I leave a tail on the poppies or do I fasten/tie the ends?
A: Please fasten/tie the ends as we have found that poppies with loose ends/tails are curling inward (likely due to different yarn textures/tension).

Q. Do you have permission from the Legion to use the poppy design?
A: The Poppy Design is a registered trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used with permission.