August 26, 2025

September 26, 2025

Good morning everyone! Sorry - this is a long entry.
AGAIN! yes, i shout, AGAIN, Thank you! Thank you! Kathy brought me six machines - she put up a sign on her community bulletin board asking for sewing machines for Sew We Work - two of them are work horses!! You know, for those who believe in prayer, this is the an answer to prayer - as you know I have begun sewing bags out of heavier material for Listening House, and my personal machine lags - and I was wondering how I could purchase a walking foot or some such machine to do this job. Well, here comes Kathy a machine that is gear driven, and promises, per 1950's advertisement to handle several layers of denim and leather! So, thank you God - or the Divine of your knowing! I am over the moon with a machine that will handle heavier fabric.
This week, someone called saying she was gifted a LOT of fabric and some of it heavier - so guess what? I will pick up the heavier fabric and make bags for Listening House. God is so good!
And, saw a large tote bag pattern on internet and decided I wanted to make a prototype - I drafted a pattern of the tote bag and it is huge - brought it to LH and hope someone will provide feedback on whether it is worthy of LH guests. One of the volunteers suggested a draw string - of course! Next time I make this bag, it will have a draw string.
And, at the last LH volunteer meeting, Andrea suggested we provide welcome bags for new guests - to help them navigate LH, possibly St Paul if new to the city, provide wipes for their hands, maybe a granola bar, etc. I sewed three different size bags for prototypes - as this is a new idea - we didn't have thoughts as to size. I hope to make a few bags for them - then the guests have a cloth bag as well.
And - I finished up a hersey's cocoa plastic container at home and thought - perhaps one of the guests could use this. Husband also finished a small can of nuts, so I took off the label (from both containers), washed them, and brought them to LH and put them on the free rack. Wasn't there to see outcome. This is another great way to recycle.
AND! that's not the end! Am thinking - maybe I already posted - about having a Listening House "needs" sewing circle - having a bunch of people come together and make stuff for the guests for Listening House. Whew - the ideas never end!
I once had a spiritual director who said: "you are attracted to the good." at the time, I wasn't sure what he meant - now I know - I have lots of ideas - and Pastor Chris says: "let's throw it against the wall and see what sticks." That always works for me.
So, that's my week and next week. Anyone want to sew with me for Listening House? I'm here.
Oh - and for Christians out there - reading "Rediscovering Christianity" by Avery Dulles was a strong inspiration for my service.
Have a great week! Be blessed, be healthy, think positive.

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!