August 26, 2025

Good morning all! Just want to catch up a bit. Linda - sewing partner at Listening House, obtained several sail scraps from her favorite Sail Le Vie shop in White Bear Lake Minnesota. And, I got busy sewing this week backpacks and tote bags for Listening House - Sail fabric is heavy duty, sturdy fabric that will sustain use by folks who live on the streets. Below is a picture of what I have created. In addition to using scraps for backpacks and tote bags, using the scraps like this keeps the scraps out of landfills. Win, Win!

I auditioned several backpack patterns and have yet to come across a pattern that i like, as these were time consuming (which is okay because I am retired) - I have a roll of reflective material from 3M that yet another donor provided to sew onto packs and duffels. I want a pattern that is relatively easy to make, has outside and inside pockets, and of course, straps. I may just have to draw a pattern myself!

Thank you Linda and thank you Sail le vie!

Other news - Our second Saturdays at Arlington Hills Lutheran - Thank you Pastor Christ and Miss Brenda for bringing a creative community together - is expanding by word of mouth - we were visited by another person who wants to learn to sew - She came to the house this week for our first lesson. She's eager to learn and I'm excited to help another person on her journey to creating!

More to come! Keep on sewing!