HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Every Friday, a group of women gather at the Christian County Extension Office to sew. Each woman becomes an artist creating her own beautiful and colorful pieces all while enjoying the camaraderie and company of one another.
“Anybody can come, and any skill level is welcome,” said Anita Cummins, Master Clothing Volunteer. “This is the fellowship of the sewing needle.”
Cummins has been sewing since she was 12 years old and started offering occasional sewing classes in 2008 with a vision for a regular weekly session. To advance her skills, she enrolled in classes to become a Master Clothing Volunteer through the University of Kentucky. It was during this journey that The Friday Sewing Girls came together. “We made quilts and do different things each week. We teach each other and help each other along the way,” she said.
The Friday Sewing Girls
Alongside Cummins, Martha Colley, who has been quilting since 2008, teaches youth classes throughout the year with a focus on simple sewing projects. She began participating in the Master Clothing Volunteer program two years ago.
“Sewing is like engineering. If you can read the directions and follow the steps then you can do it,” said Cummins.
The group includes six to eight women all with their own special talent. “Ana is a really good quilter. Christine knows how to do everything. Mindy picked up sewing really fast. Kris has been sewing since she was seven,” Cummins said. “The fellowship draws a lot of people,” Colley added.
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The importance of giving back
The group combines their love of sewing with a commitment to community service. Cummins and Colley explain how the group has crafted over 100 personalized quilted placemats for Meals on Wheels Thanksgiving dinners and made numerous quilts and pillowcases for Joy Closet, supporting kids in foster care.
They’ve also collaborated with the Red Cross to create quilted toys and dolls for children who lost their belongings in a fire. “We do a lot of things with the community, but you know we also just really like to sew,” Cummins added.
Cummins and Colley both highlight the value of sewing skills. “You need to know how to mend your stuff,” Cummins said. “Clothing has gotten so expensive now, knowing how to mend your own things and hem is so important,” said Colley.
Getting Involved and future plans
Cummins explained that anyone with their own machine can join the Friday group, “It’s very important for people to learn how to use their own machine and do it well,” she said. First time sewers will learn how to make a pillowcase first as it is a simpler project.
The group also brings in special guests to teach specific things. “It’s just joyous being together and hearing everybody’s ideas,” Cummins said. In the upcoming weeks, the group has plans to learn to crochet as well as embroider.
For those interested in learning more, contact the Christian County Extension Office, 2850 Pembroke Road at 270-886-6328.