Sew We Work Blog
November 26, 2025Wow! Where did time go? It seems like last week we were walking the dogs in 50 degree weather here in Minnesota! We were! Autumn has been delightful and I am grateful.
For those of you who follow Listening House in St Paul (logo to the right ---), you will know that hours have changed to only evening. Linda and I shifted our hours to later in the evening - we were sewing and mending from about 1 to 3 or 4 and now, I arrive at Listening House about 4 and leave at 8 - Linda moves it all a little later. Kudos to the Ignatian Noviates and all other volunteers who after sorting clothing donations to give us clothing to repair or mend so they can be given out. If the clothing is too worn we harvest what we can - zippers, buttons, flaps, cuffs, etc. We do our best to rescue as much as we can. We sometimes save denim scraps for patching holes in jeans.
So far we have repaired multiple hoodie and parka zippers, mended parka tears and blankets, and sleeping bags. In addition to parka and hoodie zippers we bought sleeping bag zippers in case we had more requests for sleeping bag repair. In addition a sewing friend of mine gave Sew We Work two mattress pads and we have sheets so we can make blankets - lots of requests for blankets.
Last evening and night and now early morning, winds are howling and we have snow fall; i am concerned for my homeless friends who sleep outside. At the last volunteer meeting we were given information that will help our guests find a bed for the night.
Last Thursday when I was there, i befriended a former Vet - who came up from South Carolina - and of course, I offered up my usual corny joke: "up here for the weather?" I'm sad that I could not hook him up with a bed or warmer clothing. He said he sleeps outside when he has too. Homelessness is a scurge on our society. I'm so sad when i hear stories like that.
On to what I've been sewing for guests at Listening House: thank you for donors I have lots of fleece and have made hats, scarves - am looking for a simple balaclava pattern - have seen a couple - would like to make these for folks.
When I can I make bags - these days I'm making tote bags - haven't had the fabric to make duffels.
Okay, this is an ask: if anyone would like to join me in sewing for homeless folks - I have sewing machines, fabric, and all the gear needed. Please let me know.