We each have a special talent. Something that sparks an extra interest that we have a natural ability to do. Donna
Lewis’s talent is sewing. What she’s been gifted with she has chosen to use to
enrich the lives of others. Donna makes adorable pillowcase dresses that are sent overseas to help little girls in need.
When talking with Donna about her sewing projects, you can
tell that she loves to pick out trims and accents that make her dresses
individual for each girl. Whether it’s a beautiful lace, or added pocket, Donna
makes each piece unique.
Donna belongs to a group of church quilters that meet every
week to create quilts to be donated. They even upcycle sheets into amazing
quilts to warm and comfort. I had the opportunity to donate some extra bed
linens, and it was a treat to stop by and watch them being made into quilts that
will benefit others.
Here’s some insight into Donna’s history and experiences
with sewing:
1. What inspires you
to make these dresses?
The joy of
"creating", while also filling the need to be productive in
retirement!
2. What is your background with sewing?
I learned to sew in 4-H, and did a lot in high school for myself and other family members. This desire
motivated me to major in Home Economics in college, with a minor in Textiles
and Clothing. I also taught several Construction classes in the 70's and 80's
at several levels.
3. How do you decide which pillowcases will make a nice dress?
I now receive many
pillowcases to pick from, so I am more selective. They must be clean and in
good shape. I tend to gravitate to print ones which can easily be adorned with
trims and buttons, but also experiment with pockets on the solid color ones. I
have many fabric scraps from which to make colorful pockets.
4. Where do you get the supplies to make the dresses?
I receive pillowcases from
items that are donated to Olivet Quilters, which I am a member, and some from
First Lutheran Quilters as well. Typically, the quilters don't use the
pillowcases. I have also received many trims, etc. from friends and family who
clean out their sewing supplies. On occasion I have sold a few dresses locally
which provides $ to purchase more bias tape and trim as needed.
5. What is your most favorite thing about sewing the dresses?
Knowing that needy
children will receive them and hopefully enjoy them, and the satisfaction I
experience from completing them.
6. Where do the dresses you make end up?
Last year, two local
church groups took dresses to Ethiopia and Ecuador while on mission trips
there. If no local groups are interested in delivering them, they are sorted
and sent to "Little Dresses for Africa," a non-profit organization
that forwards them to identified needy areas.
7. How can others help with this cause?
Donations of supplies
or $ to purchase the binding and elastic needed. Individuals can easily learn to make them, two classes have been offered at
Olivet and the directions are downloadable. (On a personal note, my massage
therapist brought her massage chair to my home while my husband was ill to
provide me a much needed massage). She reduced her charge significantly to
donate to the cause and I have had other people offer $ as well.
8. How did you become involved with this cause?
I became interested
when a former colleague told me of their church group doing a one day sewing
blitz to make them. I quickly explored and began creating with old pillowcases
I no longer needed. I shared my results with fellow quilters at Olivet who were
willing to share resources and help with postage, etc.
Thank you, Donna, for sharing your insights and talents with others!
Drop me a line at: taeamade@hotmail.com.
