Did you know there are sewing classes at Bread for the City? Every Tuesday at 10:30 AM a group of seamstresses (and seamsters) gathers at our NW center to share ideas and inspiration for everything needle-and-thread related.
Lead by longtime volunteer and 2014 Good Hope Award Winner June Wilson, the class is informative, fun, and lately, packed! All skill levels are welcome – some have never sewn before, some are eager to brush up on rusty skills, while others want to share their knowledge with their peers. “I can sew by using a pattern, but if I don’t have a pattern I can improvise as well,” says Hilda Dozier.
At Bread for the City we recognize that fostering wellness isn’t just about making sure people have things like food and medicine, but addressing all the needs of a complete human life. Are people creatively satisfied? Do they have a time and space for socializing and camaraderie? Events like sewing class let people explore these options for enriching their lives.
People sew for all kinds of reasons – for practical need, creative expression, and fun! But sharing your sewing knowledge with others is a way to share your whole life, as well. These skills come to us often from older generations. As Hilda Dozier can recall about her childhood, “…My brother was able to fit my father’s pants, but they had to be hemmed at the bottom. Once my mother would hem the bottom of the pants, I’d ask her for the materials and use it to make clothes for my Barbies- and the rest is history!”
Sewing is a great way to make new things out of old, which is not only good for your wallet, but for the environment as well. “I use items like pants, shirts or so on and fold them in half to make my own”, says Hilda. Sewing is also proving to be a popular class- just this last week there were four new members and the conference room was packed with enthusiastic craftspeople of all genders. Exciting though this is, it also means that the materials needed (fabric, thread, pins, needles, and machines) are stretching thin. Please visit our “Wishlist” if you would like to help out with a donation! http://www.breadforthecity.org/get-involved/wishlist/
Don’t believe us about the value of this class for our clients? Hear Carolyn Wright tell it in her own words -“Last year, I came to Bread for the City for something else, and I seen the sign about a sewing class. All I want to do is to make stuff and do something with my hands. Thanks to Ms . June W. I learn how to make bags, pajamas, aprons, blouses shorts and now I’m quilting by hand, not by sewing machine. Ms. June W. also taught me how to crochet a throw blanket, cow neck scarfs, and dishcloths. And don’t want to forget about the SE crew at Bread for the City! I like to thank them too, and the fellowship we have with one another. Thank you Bread for the City for having this for people.”
*Tim comes to us through a partnership with Community HealthCorps and the District of Columbia Primary Care Association.
