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Threads of compassion
Sewing circle makes dresses for children, teens in Nicaragua
By LINDA M. LINONIS
CANFIELD
The simple sundresses in a rainbow of colors and variety of patterns bear witness to the creativity and dedication of a small sewing group at Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road.
The sundresses have been displayed the last few weeks on clotheslines in the sanctuary of the church. They’ve been admired by church members, who donated fabric and trims to the project.
The sanctuary will look a bit bare this weekend as the sundresses have been packed up in preparation for a long journey. On Sept. 26, the dresses will go to Judsonia, Ark., then be off to the final destination of Nicaragua.
The project, Mision Para Cristo, at Highway Church of Christ in Judsonia, works with Christian churches to serve people in the Jinotega and Matagalpa regions of Nicaragua.
In 2009, the mission received 7,836 shoeboxes filled with school supplies, personal hygiene items, clothing such as socks and T-shirts, toys and hard candy. This year, the goal is 10,000 boxes.
Diane Wise coordinates the shoebox ministry at Western Reserve church, which partners with Southington United Methodist Church in the effort. It is Western Reserve UMC’s first endeavor with shoeboxes, but Wise said she thought it would become an annual project.
Grace McKenzie, the leader of the sewing group at Western Reserve UMC, learned of a “Little Dress for Africa” Internet challenge for sewing and quilting stores at The Bernina Store in Boardman, which she frequents. “The idea was to make a dress out of a pillowcase or the same yardage of fabric as a pillowcase,” she said. She liked the idea and thought that the Western Reserve sewing group would as well. They did and made some dresses for the African project.
The group then transferred that idea to making sundresses to go with shoeboxes destined as gifts for children and teens in Nicaragua.
“We heard that the girls only get one new dress in a lifetime,” said Darlene Wells, a sewing group member. Now there will be more than hand-me-downs. “I love the idea of doing this for girls and women. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy.”
The “sewing ladies,” as they are called in the church bulletin, meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays at the church; each participant carries in her own 18- to 20-pound portable sewing machine. The women will send 146 dresses to Nicaragua that they’ve made over the last 10 weeks or so.
The sundresses are from one pattern, which ties at the shoulders and is gathered at the top. Only the lengths differ – from short to longer for children to teens. “We need to invent a dress that will grow,” said Debbie Phillipson, an eight-year group member. She said she enjoyed the sewing and carrying on this tradition in the church.
“We got support from the congregation,” said McKenzie. Donations of fabric, trim and other sewing supplies helped in the project. She said a small child’s dress takes about Ω yard of fabric while a longer one takes about 11/8 yards.
Throughout the year, the sewing group meets and makes such items as totes, purses, table runners, small quilts and other small items. Those handmade articles are sold on Election Day; proceeds benefit the church and some funds to back to the sewing group so that it continues its projects.
The sewing group has existed for about a decade; the participants fluctuate and change. “The fellowship is the best part,” said McKenzie. The sewing circle formed to make comforters for ill members of the congregation and others who needed some comfort. “The feedback has been good.” McKenzie also noted that the group has made seasonal banners for the church seasons.
Joyce Tolle, a member about seven years, said she likes to sew and the fellowship of the group got her involved. “What we do is for a good cause,” she said.
“I feel it’s a worthwhile project … helping others,” said Dot McNaughton, who has participated about 1 Ω years. “It’s something I could contribute to the church.”
Besides that, she said the sewing circle is a “great group of girls.”
Fran Blatchford, the newest member, said she “lost her job” and wanted to put some of her time to good use. “It’s wonderful being able to help others,” she said.
Carol Bassett also voiced that sentiment.
“Doing for others is what this group does,” she said. She’s been involved about six months and also likes the fellowship of the group and its purpose.