Dorcas Sewing Club members' love of sewing benefits missions

HARLEYVILLE—Two years ago, a group of women at First United Methodist church began meeting to share their love of sewing and crafting. They would pack up their sewing machines, irons, fabrics, notions, etc., and cart it all to the fellowship hall to sew together. They would share knowledge and share what was going on in their lives just as their grandmothers may have gathered around a quilting frame for a quilting bee.

As word spread about this little group, ladies from other churches in Harleyville and from the surrounding communities asked if they could be involved. The group quickly became ecumenical and now has members from Harleyville, Holly Hill, St. George, Grover, Summerville and more.

Very quickly, they began to search for projects that would fulfill a mission. They made pillowcases for the children of Epworth Children’s Home. They sewed pillowcase dresses for girls and shorts for boys, which were included in the Children’s Shoebox Mission. Next, they crafted sanitary napkins for women and girls in Africa and ice bags for a knee surgery mission project in Central America. This year, aprons are being sewn for the Children’s Shoebox.

All along they just called themselves the Sew Club, but they wanted a name that would reflect their mission of serving by sewing. The Rev. Kelly Snelgrove, pastor at First UMC, suggested the Dorcas Sew Club from the Scripture, “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36).

Since the beginning of this year, the group has been devoting itself to making a huge selection of gift items to sell at their first Fall Arts and Craft Sale. There will be handcrafted items available for everyone and every need: baby items, children items, home décor, beach items, wreaths, college team themed items (Clemson and USC) and more. Their aim is to be the perfect place for people to do their Christmas shopping for unique and special gifts.

The Fall Arts and Crafts Sale will be held Friday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of First UMC, Harleyville (directly across from the post office). There will also be lunch available consisting of soups, BBQ slider sandwiches, beverages and desserts.

All proceeds will directly benefit missions locally and beyond. Cash or check only.