Claire Cullingworth
@ccullingworth.bsky.social
Mending clothes & creative sewing projects. Church of England priest, community worker, spiritual director, and playing with the overlap of creativity, prayer and story telling.
Fan of #TheArchers
Fan of #TheArchers
Still some places left on the first of these Creative Quiet Day, if anyone is looking for a space to reflect and pray and chat, this coming Saturday. "Finding God in Threads and Patches"
Come and spend the day with me in a lovely castle just outside Durham, with space for some conversation, some creativity and some space to reflect and pray. I'm leading a series of 5 Creative Quiet Days over the next year and the first 2 are coming up. 21st February and 21st March.
February 17, 2026 at 6:41 PM
Still some places left on the first of these Creative Quiet Day, if anyone is looking for a space to reflect and pray and chat, this coming Saturday. "Finding God in Threads and Patches"
Mending as an act of rebellion, on many levels. I love this!
I am gathering my supplies to mend a pair of pants during a community meeting this evening and let me count the ways that this is a tiny disruption to patterns that would have you believe they are the natural, unstoppable order of things....
February 16, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Mending as an act of rebellion, on many levels. I love this!
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
Checks out.
You may laugh, but the Macbeths are a much better role model for a marriage than Romeo and Juliet. They discuss their problems (killing the king of Scotland), share their hobbies (killing the king of Scotland), and resolve their conflicts (by killing the king of Scotland).
February 13, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Checks out.
Overheard in the drop-in this morning:
Bloke 1: Anyone got any suggestions for an easy Valantine's Day present I could give?
Bloke 2: Cold, hard cash!
😂
Who says the age of romance has gone?
Bloke 1: Anyone got any suggestions for an easy Valantine's Day present I could give?
Bloke 2: Cold, hard cash!
😂
Who says the age of romance has gone?
February 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Overheard in the drop-in this morning:
Bloke 1: Anyone got any suggestions for an easy Valantine's Day present I could give?
Bloke 2: Cold, hard cash!
😂
Who says the age of romance has gone?
Bloke 1: Anyone got any suggestions for an easy Valantine's Day present I could give?
Bloke 2: Cold, hard cash!
😂
Who says the age of romance has gone?
Full of loveliness
#TinyJoys
#TinyJoys
For many years I have been posting little observations online. What you may not know is that for many years, artists have been illustrating them - for no reason other than they wanted to respond. Below is a thread of some of these beautiful drawings because they should be seen 🧵
January 31, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Full of loveliness
#TinyJoys
#TinyJoys
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
Come and spend the day with me in a lovely castle just outside Durham, with space for some conversation, some creativity and some space to reflect and pray. I'm leading a series of 5 Creative Quiet Days over the next year and the first 2 are coming up. 21st February and 21st March.
January 28, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Come and spend the day with me in a lovely castle just outside Durham, with space for some conversation, some creativity and some space to reflect and pray. I'm leading a series of 5 Creative Quiet Days over the next year and the first 2 are coming up. 21st February and 21st March.
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
I don't know why, but thinking all the way back to cultural anthropology at Southern CT State U. with Professor Dryfoos. "And when you've run out of shibboleths, you know what you are? Shibbolethless!" 🦶🦶🦶
January 28, 2026 at 3:51 PM
I don't know why, but thinking all the way back to cultural anthropology at Southern CT State U. with Professor Dryfoos. "And when you've run out of shibboleths, you know what you are? Shibbolethless!" 🦶🦶🦶
I often find myself remembering this sign. If only all life's choices were so clearly labelled.
(Taken at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme in the North East)
(Taken at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme in the North East)
January 28, 2026 at 1:56 PM
I often find myself remembering this sign. If only all life's choices were so clearly labelled.
(Taken at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme in the North East)
(Taken at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme in the North East)
Come and spend the day with me in a lovely castle just outside Durham, with space for some conversation, some creativity and some space to reflect and pray. I'm leading a series of 5 Creative Quiet Days over the next year and the first 2 are coming up. 21st February and 21st March.
January 28, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Come and spend the day with me in a lovely castle just outside Durham, with space for some conversation, some creativity and some space to reflect and pray. I'm leading a series of 5 Creative Quiet Days over the next year and the first 2 are coming up. 21st February and 21st March.
Thinking about Amber being pregnant and the number of unplanned pregnancies that happen in Ambridge....(Something in the water, maybe??)
Has there ever been a story line that deals with the opposite - infertility in a couple who very much want to have kids?
#TheArchers
Has there ever been a story line that deals with the opposite - infertility in a couple who very much want to have kids?
#TheArchers
January 22, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Thinking about Amber being pregnant and the number of unplanned pregnancies that happen in Ambridge....(Something in the water, maybe??)
Has there ever been a story line that deals with the opposite - infertility in a couple who very much want to have kids?
#TheArchers
Has there ever been a story line that deals with the opposite - infertility in a couple who very much want to have kids?
#TheArchers
I know Clive is a wrong 'un. But what exactly did he do that was dreadful? Characters have been alluding to it, but only with disconnected details. Holding someone hostage? Something bad with a horse?? it must have happened while I was going through a phase of not listening very often
#TheArchers
#TheArchers
January 16, 2026 at 9:33 PM
I know Clive is a wrong 'un. But what exactly did he do that was dreadful? Characters have been alluding to it, but only with disconnected details. Holding someone hostage? Something bad with a horse?? it must have happened while I was going through a phase of not listening very often
#TheArchers
#TheArchers
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
Hats off to whoever did this (and the beautiful model).
January 16, 2026 at 8:18 AM
Hats off to whoever did this (and the beautiful model).
I'm good at drawing out the stories and creativity of other people.
I'm a jack of all trades with textile skills rather than excellent at any particular one, but I'm good at combining those skills in interesting ways, including in mending things.
How about you? What are you good at?
I'm a jack of all trades with textile skills rather than excellent at any particular one, but I'm good at combining those skills in interesting ways, including in mending things.
How about you? What are you good at?
Artists, I think we're all too comfortable sharing our imposter syndrome.
I would love to see you step out of your comfort zone and confidently state what you think you're actually really good at.
No self deprecation, just what you think you're the strongest at
Is anyone brave eniough? 👀
I would love to see you step out of your comfort zone and confidently state what you think you're actually really good at.
No self deprecation, just what you think you're the strongest at
Is anyone brave eniough? 👀
January 14, 2026 at 11:23 PM
I'm good at drawing out the stories and creativity of other people.
I'm a jack of all trades with textile skills rather than excellent at any particular one, but I'm good at combining those skills in interesting ways, including in mending things.
How about you? What are you good at?
I'm a jack of all trades with textile skills rather than excellent at any particular one, but I'm good at combining those skills in interesting ways, including in mending things.
How about you? What are you good at?
Quite an empty week in my diary, this week, so I'm hoping to get on with some longer term stuff that needs doing. It's things I really enjoy (planning creative retreat days and writing things, but without looming deadlines, the possibilities for procrastination are immense. Wish me luck!
January 12, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Quite an empty week in my diary, this week, so I'm hoping to get on with some longer term stuff that needs doing. It's things I really enjoy (planning creative retreat days and writing things, but without looming deadlines, the possibilities for procrastination are immense. Wish me luck!
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
Two useful bits of Bluesky functionality:
You can mute words for fixed periods of time (also applies to Alt text). If you need a break, do that.
You can set up a custom list and pin it to the top of your feeds list. Put people who post recipes and nice photos in it, and never look anywhere else.
You can mute words for fixed periods of time (also applies to Alt text). If you need a break, do that.
You can set up a custom list and pin it to the top of your feeds list. Put people who post recipes and nice photos in it, and never look anywhere else.
January 9, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Two useful bits of Bluesky functionality:
You can mute words for fixed periods of time (also applies to Alt text). If you need a break, do that.
You can set up a custom list and pin it to the top of your feeds list. Put people who post recipes and nice photos in it, and never look anywhere else.
You can mute words for fixed periods of time (also applies to Alt text). If you need a break, do that.
You can set up a custom list and pin it to the top of your feeds list. Put people who post recipes and nice photos in it, and never look anywhere else.
I'm finishing a long abandoned pair of socks for a friend. They got as far as the heel flap on the 2nd one before loosing steam. Can anyone suggest what stitch the heel flap might be? It feels thicker than the stocking stitch before it, but I'm not sure what the stitch is.
#Knitsky
#Craftsky
#Knitsky
#Craftsky
January 7, 2026 at 8:29 PM
Getting a little nervous about listening to #TheArchers this evening
😬
😬
December 30, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Getting a little nervous about listening to #TheArchers this evening
😬
😬
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
I know it is the least controversial or enlightening take to say that AI sucks but yeesh, *so much* written content I encounter online now is obviously AI generated, with identical rhythms, the same urgent, bland, TED Talk tone. It makes me hunger for humans saying good smart helpful true things.
December 28, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I know it is the least controversial or enlightening take to say that AI sucks but yeesh, *so much* written content I encounter online now is obviously AI generated, with identical rhythms, the same urgent, bland, TED Talk tone. It makes me hunger for humans saying good smart helpful true things.
How was your midnight service, folks?
I am grateful for Church Wardens who take an extra large swig of wine, at Communion, so there isn't lots left over for the clergy to consume. Impossible to judge the quantities right for this service.
#ClergyMaltClub
I am grateful for Church Wardens who take an extra large swig of wine, at Communion, so there isn't lots left over for the clergy to consume. Impossible to judge the quantities right for this service.
#ClergyMaltClub
December 25, 2025 at 1:14 AM
How was your midnight service, folks?
I am grateful for Church Wardens who take an extra large swig of wine, at Communion, so there isn't lots left over for the clergy to consume. Impossible to judge the quantities right for this service.
#ClergyMaltClub
I am grateful for Church Wardens who take an extra large swig of wine, at Communion, so there isn't lots left over for the clergy to consume. Impossible to judge the quantities right for this service.
#ClergyMaltClub
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
Sorry to always repeat this, but it’s important: my trans kid saw multiple specialists +had therapy for over a year before receiving any gender-affirming care. My short cis child had hormones/puberty blockers aggressively pushed on him by drs starting at age 5 bc they were concerned about his height
cis people are NOT FUCKING REAL. they don't exist
December 17, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Sorry to always repeat this, but it’s important: my trans kid saw multiple specialists +had therapy for over a year before receiving any gender-affirming care. My short cis child had hormones/puberty blockers aggressively pushed on him by drs starting at age 5 bc they were concerned about his height
I really love this, as a way of holding on to some hope and strengthening our connections with one another.
Today I cut up a sheet of A3 into 19 ACEO size cards (2.5 by 3.5 inch). I then printed a mix of dragon and swan images. My aim, when they are finished, is to give them away. That's the hard part because I'm shy... (1)
December 15, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I really love this, as a way of holding on to some hope and strengthening our connections with one another.
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
December 15, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Congratulations and welcome (not quite yet) to Durham Diocese. Prayers for your goodbyes and packing and everything.
Interviews for the new Bishop of Durham happened last week, so I briefly thought you were making a somewhat different job announcement!!
Interviews for the new Bishop of Durham happened last week, so I briefly thought you were making a somewhat different job announcement!!
December 14, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Congratulations and welcome (not quite yet) to Durham Diocese. Prayers for your goodbyes and packing and everything.
Interviews for the new Bishop of Durham happened last week, so I briefly thought you were making a somewhat different job announcement!!
Interviews for the new Bishop of Durham happened last week, so I briefly thought you were making a somewhat different job announcement!!
Reposted by Claire Cullingworth
I love this so much. "You've done all the science, the lectures and the practicals and the book learning, you've passed all the exams. You're going into a demanding job, here are poems to sustain and strengthen you for the journey"
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
December 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
I love this so much. "You've done all the science, the lectures and the practicals and the book learning, you've passed all the exams. You're going into a demanding job, here are poems to sustain and strengthen you for the journey"
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
I love this so much. "You've done all the science, the lectures and the practicals and the book learning, you've passed all the exams. You're going into a demanding job, here are poems to sustain and strengthen you for the journey"
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
December 12, 2025 at 9:17 PM
I love this so much. "You've done all the science, the lectures and the practicals and the book learning, you've passed all the exams. You're going into a demanding job, here are poems to sustain and strengthen you for the journey"
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?
#booksky
What poems would you include in such an anthology?