Sewing for Good

It’s always great to be able to help others, but there’s something great about being able to use your talents to bless others. Lately I’ve been looking into ways my sewing can be of help to other people and I thought it’d be fun to share what I’ve found and then hear from you the ways you’ve been able to give through your sewing.

(NOTE: Always be sure to check into the charities you work with to make sure you agree with their mission and financial stewardship. The charities I mention below are suggestions I’ve found in my own internet search in my desire to get involved, but please do your own homework.)

Quilt Ministry at Church – Many churches have Prayer Quilt ministries where a group of ladies get together to create quilts for those experiencing sickness, loss, surgery, treatments, etc. as a tangible expression of support. At my church, the quilts are finished by tying where each knot represents a prayer made by a church member who takes the time to stop by the table and say a prayer. Even if you’re a basic or new quilter, this is a great place to contribute as quilts can be simple or complex in pattern, they are usually lap sized, and sewing side-by-side with other women can give you the opportunity to gain from their skill. I’ve heard many families express what these quilts meant to their loved one, and to even to them, as their family went through a difficult time. If quilting’s your thing, this is a great way to give to others through your craft!

Little Dresses for Africa –  If garment sewing is more your thing, check out Little Dresses for Africa. With this organization, “Simple dresses are made out of pillow cases, and distributed through the orphanages, churches and schools in  Africa to plant in the hearts of little girls that they are worthy!” I think many of us can all relate to how clothing can affect how we feel & knowing that someone across the world is thinking about you would brighten anybody’s day! If this is something that interests you, you’ll definitely want to click through and check out the website to find out how Little Dresses for Africa started and how to host your own sewing party.

The Sleeping Bag Project – This is one I found intriguing and it could easily be applied to your location, even if you and your family are the only participants (though there is information on the site on finding an existing group). Our family tries to keep blessing bags in our car for when we see people in need. It’s not much, but just a little something we hope is helpful in the short term. Providing a hand made sleeping bag would be a great addition to the blessing bags. There are instructions on their site so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and they would be an amazing use for scraps – something you could make as you go year round.

There are many, many more charities and ways to help others with our sewing. I’m dying to know – in what ways have you used your sewing for good? Please let me know in the comments!