Seams Like Love
In this fast-paced world of consumerism and The sewers also make lap quilts for homebound people, as well as patriotic Quilts of Valor for military veterans. Barbara, inexpensive clothing, handmade items are a rarity. For younger generations, how to sew on a button may be the extent of their sewing skills. A group at Edmond’s First Baptist Church, Seams Like Love, has discovered that hand-stitched quilts, pillowcases or clothes can bring great joy to other people.
“I remember giving a woman at the Hope Pregnancy Center a sewn bag, and she was so excited. It was the first time she’d ever had anything handmade,” said Barbara Dooley, who now organizes the Seams Like Love ministry.
Seven years ago, two retired women who loved to sew, Anita Smith and Arvel White, began the sewing group. They assembled some sewing machines and invited others to join them in making hand-sewn items to share with people who might need emotional support. They send items to a variety of charities, from cancer centers to homeless shelters. “Every piece we do has a different story,” Barbara said. “Comfort pillows are sent to a local school, and if kids are sad or stressed out, they can go to a ‘safe area’ to get a pillow, and sit and hold it.”
The Seams Like Love participants welcome both fabric donations and new members. Even non-sewers are invited to learn basic sewing skills, starting with simple projects, because as easy as pillowcases are to make, they still make an impact. “So often, children in need have very little to call their own. Getting to pick out a new pillowcase, especially in a design they like, is exciting for them.”
The sewers also make lap quilts for homebound people, as well as patriotic Quilts of Valor for military veterans. Barbara, whose grandmother was a quilter, enjoys quilt- making so much that she makes additional ones at home for people who need an extra blessing. She calls them prayer quilts.
“I have the person’s loved ones pray over the quilt, so when they use it, they know they’ve been prayed for,” Barbara said. “I have an 80-year-old man who takes his to chemo treatments. Another one was given to a gentleman that has since passed away. His wife now uses it to hold him close to her.”
“Last summer, we made over 100 dresses to send to Brazil during a mission trip. After the Brazil trip, we got pictures of little girls happily twirling in their new dresses, and that was really a thrill for all of us. It was a blessing to make those people so happy. That’s why we do this! We like making people happy through handmade items.”
Seems like love!
Visit www.fbcedmond.org/sewing to learn more
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