Every second and fourth Tuesday at Presbyterian Village North (PVN), a group of 15 residents meet up to sew and sew.
“The Sew ‘N Sews group was here when I moved in and I’ve been coming to it ever since. I love it! It’s just us getting together and having a good time,” said Janice Bentley, long-time PVN resident and Sew ‘N Sews coordinator.
Every holiday season, the Sew ‘N Sews transform their sewing room into a bustling, magical workshop, sure to make Santa’s elves jealous and dedicate their time and talent to crafting stuffed toys, especially for children.
“We make stuffed bears, cats, dogs and even dinosaurs,” shared Janice.
Among the group’s most dedicated members is Emmitt Nelson, one of only two men in the Sew ‘N Sews. Emmitt learned to sew at the young age of seven, a useful skill passed down by his grandmother.
“My grandmother and her two sisters would meet at our home and make quilt tops. They taught me how to sew quilt tops together,” said Emmitt.
The Sew ‘N Sews go through roughly 350 pounds of stuffing annually, much of which is used to make toys for their annual Holiday sale. This year’s sale, a beloved seasonal tradition, took place in McGowan Auditorium and offered residents and community members the chance to purchase handmade gifts while supporting the group’s creative handiwork.
Didn’t make it to the sale? You can still check a few names off your list by contacting Janice Bentley, aka Santa’s little helper. She’ll help you wrap up your holiday shopping with a handmade treasure or two.
By Sarah Macias
