Sewing Superheroes

I met three women last week who have truly inspired me. They came from Crossroads United Methodist Church in Oakdale, PA for a week of service through Camp Gospel. They created an entire set of window treatments in less than a week for a very grateful homeowner and her family.

Sally was here for the first time while her energetic partners, Eleanor and Darlene were boomerangs – returning for their second and third trips of volunteering on the Gulf Coast. Sally had been recruited by an enthusiastic volunteer: her husband, Pat, who returned to MS for his fifth service trip, leading a group of 49 Steelers fans.

“We have relatives in Pass Christian. After my husband came down on his first trip, he became the volunteer coordinator for our church. He’s led groups before and this trip we’ve come here together.”

They arrived with donated and discounted fabric and materials, sat down with the homeowner, Miss Mabel and discussed options. They started measuring Monday, and had bedroom curtains, cafe curtains for the kitchen and valances ready to hang by Friday. They would like to continue to work on window treatments from home. There are certainly a lot of naked windows on the Gulf Coast that could use their good works! They have heard about other groups doing this type of work, like the Moravian Church in Raleigh, NC and would like to join forces. They are my Sewing Superheroes and I hope they inspire others to create a little beauty to enhance the new homes of residents who have been home-less for three and a half years.

(In the interest of full disclosure, Sally not only fixed the buttons on my blue blazer but pressed it in time for me to look snazzy at my presentation to the Gautier Rotary Club last week. Thanks again! But the curtains, well, those are really amazing!)