Sometimes it takes a close-knit group like the Sewciables to keep a diverse, modern community together during hard economic times.
The Sewciables, comprised of women sewing enthusiasts, meets once a month at Valley View Methodist Church in Española, to gather hand-sewn items for newborn babies and fearful shut-ins and to enjoy each other’s company.
Resident and former group leader Lois Coover founded the group when she began knitting tiny hats for newborns to keep their heads warm in the hospital and during their first few months at home.
“She started quite a legacy,” Carol Vigil said, of group founder Coover.
Current Sewciables leader Marlene Wilson said the group expanded from sewing baby hats to quilts for shut-ins, and, most recently, prayer shawls.
The Sewciables are also heavily involved in Valley View’s Outreach Ministry, where the sewing group every Friday supplies 85 backpacks’ worth of dry goods for less fortunate area children.
“So they’re not hungry over the weekend,” Carolyn Lury said.
Wilson said her participation in Sewciables provides a sense of spiritual wonder, as helping others leaves Wilson spiritually fulfilled as she realizes how her service work has helped fellow community members in need.
For Wilson, sewing with the group is not about the money, although the funds raised do go toward supporting future Outreach Ministry activities and programs.
“It’s just nice to give back,” Wilson said. “We don’t sell anything. Our money comes from donations.”
The Sewciables meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Valley View United Methodist Church sanctuary. The public is invited to attend each session.
For more info, contact Marlene Wilson at (505) 753-3053.