Happiness is handmade
I feel like I should clean the house so I’m just going to sew until the feeling passes.
There are many benefits to needlework, stress relief is one. Sewing has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Then, there is the satisfaction that comes with creating something. Social connection and community are also beneficial.
Sew What Stitches & Craft is a Sun City club is dedicated to encouraging member’s interests in sewing and crafts. In addition to monthly meetings, over a dozen Special Interest Groups (SIGs) feature beading, knitting, spinning/weaving, crocheting, and quilting (Stashbusters, Material Girls). Other groups focus on hand stitching, machine embroidery (Happy Hoopers), greeting cards, scrapbooking, diamond dots and the newest Cricut Crafters. Members canalso take classes such as basic sewing and beginner quilting.
To say this club has something for everyone is no exaggeration, With approximately 750 members, the club’s two dedicated rooms in the Craft Center are buzzing with a full calendar.
Maria Biancheri is a charter member of the club, having moved here from New York in 1995. At that time, there was not much for the handful of residents to do, so Del Webb created the club to fill the need.and many lasting friendships were formed. Maria is still an active member, teaching classes and doing alterations.
An exciting new group is Imagine That, whose members enjoy the creative side of sewing. One Hit Wonder has members teach a simple craft in one session. Sunday Open Studio has become popular. Members work on their projects in the Sewing Room, where there is plenty of support and sharing.
Shari Taylor, the current president, is enthusiastic about her involvement. Shari remarked: “What I love most about our group is that we don’t just work together; we’ve built genuine, lasting friendships. That connection is exactly what makes this group so unique.”
Not to be overlooked are the charity groups. Coordinated by Sharon Tate and Marion Welsh, members create crib pads, hats and small blankets for babies born at Coastal Carolina Medical Center. Their quilts are donated to local women’s shelters. Folks going through chemo or dialysis receive caring bags with items to make them more comfortable.
Another member, Dave Sorgen, moved to Sun City with his wife in 2015. He finds needlework challenging and relaxing. Having tried rug hooking, embroidery and needlepoint over the years, Dave now focuses on counted cross stitch. He says “I find when I’m stitching, I’m not eating!”
The club’s first Saturday of the month Boutique offers a way for members to sell their creations. The only rules are that everything sold has to be handmade and no food can be sold.
Rounding out the year’s calendar, a Holiday party, Spring Fling and Volunteer Appreciation provide opportunities for members to socialize. The club’s dues are $15 year, and members can join as many groups as they would like. Monthly meetings are the first Wednesday of the month, 12:30-2:00. For more information, contact Shari Taylor, staylor111@yahoo.com.
