Supporting veterans and their families, one stitch at a time

This year, 700 hampers filled with gifts, food and goodies from local and veteran-owned businesses will be delivered to veterans and their families to make Christmas a little merrier. The project is now a coveted tradition for RSL Queensland.  

Navy veteran and small business owner Sacha de Wit is excited to be a part of this year’s RSL Queensland Christmas hamper project with the inclusion of her designed and machine embroidered tea towels. 

Veterans Kerry Corney and Sacha de Wit with their products

“This is my first year being a part of this important initiative. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to be involved in a great cause for veterans,” Sacha says. 

Where it all began 

From what started as a hobby after her second daughter was born, has grown into a passion project like no other.  

“I’ve always had a fascination with combining computers and art, then when I had the time to try embroidery, I was able to really focus on that and bring my skills to life,” she recalls. 

“I first started with digitising designs my friends’ had drawn on paper by inputting them into the computer then turning them into thread. The process of digitising drawn designs is a satisfying process; it can be complex as you’ve got to make sure the design is as close to the original as possible, but also able to be transferred onto fabric. 

“After it is digitised, my mum helps embroider the design onto the material. At first it was cushions covers, but now we stitch onto tea towels, caps, cards and even fabric flowers.” 

It wasn’t long before Sacha decided to take her hobby to the next level and create her business: Draw Stitch Smile. 

“I started to sell my products locally in 2020. Now, I have a website and a permanent shelf at the Cooroy Butter Factory which has helped connect me with the community and other local artists,” she says.  

“Not only do I have a permanent shelf in there where people can purchase my items, but once a month artists have to come in for a day to almost play ‘shop keeper’. It’s fantastic because you get to meet your customers, hear their feedback and network with other artists. 

“Thanks to these monthly opportunities, I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some of these artists and reimagine their artwork into thread. I never get sick of seeing people see their designs or drawings become tangible.” 

Navy veteran Sacha de Wit

Sacha says being involved in the community is paramount for her as an artist.  

“As a previous member of Defence, you’re used to having that camaraderie or sense of community. You’re also, more often than not, driven by community service so being able to work with and uplift other local artists is so special,” she explains. 

“Also from an artistic perspective, I feel that your responsibility is to the community – to ensure that your work relates to your audience or makes them happy.” 

A symbol of veteran connection 

For her latest order with RSL Queensland, Sacha says she’s excited to be able to give veterans and their families something for the festive season, but also to keep year-round.  

“It is honestly a privilege to be involved in a project like this that gives back to veterans and their families,” she says.  

RSL Queensland staff members pack Christmas Hampers with Sacha de Wit's towels.

“Embroidery also has a connection to service dating back to WWI when servicemen would send beautiful, embroidered post cards back to their families, so I think the inclusion of my tea towels is a nice tribute to that history.  

“Not only that, but they’re durable and people can use them throughout the year – not just over Christmas. They’re like a constant, hanging reminder that the RSL is always there for them and the veteran community.”