Sewing machines, fabrics and scissors were the order of the day at St Andrew’s Church a couple of weeks ago. For several years Muriel Pedersen has made clothing and toys for the Christmas Child Christmas Appeal, to go into the boxes for children in the Pacific Islands and other remote areas. This year Muriel shared her skills with women who gathered from Whangamata, Pauanui and around Mercury Bay. Muriel demonstrated the method for sewing simple little dresses that will fit into the Christmas boxes. “Little girls in the Islands rarely have anything new to wear, and I enjoy making them,” Muriel said. “We can’t use delicate lace or flimsy fabrics – often the washing is done on rocks in the stream – but we can make pretty dresses with applique and contrasting colours.”
The workshop was held in St Andrew’s Church hall. Packs of materials and patterns were also made up on the day, so people can follow the instructions and sew them at home. The wide range of fabrics was all donated by Barbara Blake, who for years has been in the habit of sewing for the boxes. The sewing packs and the Christmas boxes are available from St Andrew’s Church and Opshop.
Empty decorated shoe boxes available.
Right now you can pick up decorated empty shoeboxes from:
• Whitianga: St Patrick’s Catholic, St Peter’s Anglican, Whitianga Baptist, Crossroads Church, C3, St Andrew’s Church and Opshop, Cogill Café, The Informer office in Monk Street.
• Pauanui: Pauanui Information Centre.
• Whangamata: Baptist Church,
Whangamata.
Recommendations about the toys and essentials that are so much appreciated are included in the boxes that you pick up to fill. Cash donations also help towards shipping the boxes.
Last drop-off date: All boxes must be returned by Saturday, 24 October to St Andrews Op Shop. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 1.30pm
Cash donations also help towards shipping the boxes.
