The Sewphisticuts go MaDD!

The Sewphisticuts go MaDD!

 The energy and camaraderie that I’ve come to expect at an ASG Sew-In was evident at the recent Sewphisticuts-sponsored Make a Difference Day event held at the Poughkeepsie Plaza Mall on October 27th.  This neighborhood group has sponsored an annual MaDD event since the group’s inception six years ago.  The event is open to both ASG members and the community at large.  The Poughkeepsie Plaza Mall has generously found space for our use for the past several years, and Sew ‘N Vac always provides tables and chairs.  The event is open to all ASG members and the public.

One of the many hats made that day

This year’s project was fleece hats and scarves to be given to Hudson River Housing.  Past year’s projects have included flannel pajama pants for the children’s cancer ward at Westchester Medical center, anti-ouch pouches for breast cancer patients at Benedictine Hospital in Kingston, pillow cases for area shelters, and baby bibs and blankets for the Young Mother’s program at the Poughkeepsie Children’s Home.

To make our membership stand out this year, Veronica Hill suggested we wear T-shirts with a slogan.  Maura Kristofik thought of the slogan “I’m Making a Difference today.  Sew can you!”  Joan Gadonniex digitized the slogan for embroidery machines adding “Hudson Valley NY Chapter Make a Difference Day” and the ASG logo.  Mary Dubois donated T-shirts and Connie Pennisi picked them up.  Linda Clark and Joan (I think?) handled the embroidery.  What a team effort!

Judy in one of the embroidered T-shirts

Cutting out more hats and scarves

Fourteen ASG members and 10 people from the community including 6 students (4 girls and 2 boys) from the Friends of Rachel club at Arlington High School pitched in to complete 171 hats and 59 scarves for a total of 230 items!  Ann Bierce did a great job of teaching some of the students to use a sewing machine while Mary Stiegler helped the boys cut out hats and fringe scarves.  Linda Clark showed her usual poise by doing a video clip for the Poughkeepsie Journal in a single take, while Connie Pennisi focused on her sewing for the photographs that were published in the next day’s paper. 

(Sue may not look it, but she really was having a good time!)

A good time was had by all and the Sewphisticuts thank everyone who participated for their contribution to another successful event. 

Some of our young helpers

Peggy Norton

Hudson Valley Chapter 2^nd VP