Sew Inspiring

Mary’s Story

“I think I won the first machine from Scott. At the time, I was sewing with my Polk County Texas Quilts for Comfort group that made quilts of valor for veterans, lap quilts for nursing homes, EMT, first responders, etc. Since then Charlotte (the name on the machine) has traveled to the library for me to teach young people how to sew. I did that for a year, then most of my sewing group went different ways and now she is at a church here in town where I sew two times a month making prayer quilts. We make quilts from donated fabric for persons and their families with relatives battling cancer, those who are recovering from major surgeries, battling depression, etc. We make the quilts, then pull the yarn thru all and it is presented to the church. Whoever wants to will come forward after services and tie a knot and say a prayer for the person who will receive that particular quilt. There are about ten of us who sew together and Charlotte accomplishes a lot of happiness for lots of people. The quilts we give away are requested via church service or even our Facebook page. I’ve included the links below to show you the Polk County group and the charity group. The photo included with my story is one of the ladies using Charlotte as I am very camera shy and do more of the teaching and directing. Please tell Scott that Charlotte is doing a good job!”

Andrea’s Story

“I entered my niece, Andrea, to win the machine as she is 27 years old and has a social anxiety disorder. When we had been together, she had expressed interest in learning to sew. Since she received her lovely machine, we have sewn together several times when we visit. She lives at home with her parents about 5 hours south of where we live. She will not have her picture taken, does not leave the house, very seldom uses social media, but she is a very smart and pretty young lady. It is very sad.

We have made zippered pouches from a placemat, aprons and next I am going to show her how to do a jelly roll quilt top. I have my scraps sewn into a very long strip for her. I usually bring my sewing machine to Daytona when we visit so we can sew side by side. Scott’s generosity has helped her as she sends items on Pinterest for me to see. She is still afraid to use her sewing machine alone, as she is afraid, she will do ‘something wrong’. I have told there is no wrong that we cannot fix.

I have included two pictures of my niece, Andrea sewing the sewing machine and one of her using the completed bag as a place to stow her knitting project. I am also teaching her simple knitting, like scarves and then using cotton yarn to make a washcloth, using a different style knit stitch. I bring patterns and materials needed to her when we visit. she is smart and an avid learner.”

Jill’s Story

“Before getting the sewing machine from Scott, I was not able to sew, unless it was hand sewing or cross stitch. I had always admired the work my two aunts had made, but being on a very low fixed income (SS Disability) it was impossible for me to be able to buy a sewing machine and make things.

I have always loved to make things, put a lot of thought, care, and love into each piece I made, and be proud to give them as gifts to others. I always wanted to learn to make quilts, runner, table toppers, pillowcases…etc. and be able to learn different techniques on quilting.

When I won the Ever Sewn from Scott, it made me cry because I had not ever won anything before, but to have this opportunity to be able to learn all the things I have always wanted to do, was huge for me. I was blessed to be chosen to receive one of these machines from Scott, so deal with the issues as they come up. I also work at my cousin’s fabric shop one day a week in exchange for fabric, so that I can make things to give as gifts to others who are less fortunate.

Since then, I have made baby quilts to give away at hospitals, some for which the babies, or young kids, have cancer, or other life-threatening issues. These quilts have made a huge difference in these kids, they love the colorful fabric used (most is Studio E, Henry Glass, Blank Quilting Corporation…all fabrics my cousin buys for her shop).

Currently, I am working on bright colored pillowcases for kids (see attached). I will always feel blessed because an act of kindness was shown to me (free machine) I want to “give” to others as well.
I have made a lot of things since receiving my Ever Sewn from Scott. I’ll let you choose which ones you would like to post. Some of the quilts like the black and white dragon wall quilt, and the black and white guitar quilt were my own designs.

I made 20 quilt tops for a Missionary who finished them and gave them to the needy in Africa when she and others had gone there. (the one picture is 4 of those 20 quilts) I have also made other quilt tops that were also given to the needy for those after the hurricane hit Texas.
I made my first rag quilt that was requested by a family member, and it turned out great and she was extremely pleased. I also made a quilt using the “quilt as you go” method (bright colored diagonal).

The footstool cover is my own pattern and made to fit, it’s my latest. I have also included a picture of my sewing room with my Ever Sewn from Scott.”