Hobbyists invited to monthly Sew Day

By Grant Cree

A few sewing enthusiasts gathered in the Morinville Rendez-Vous Centre on April 1 to enjoy new friends while creating their favourite crafts. Event organizer Anita Derouin plans to host the event every month as a way for participants to get out of the house and spool up their sewing machines.

“It’s great to meet people that can help you out, and there’s camaraderie,” said Derouin. “There’s so much we can learn from other people teaching us. It’s just wonderful.” She moved to Morinville from Ottawa in 2020; she was a quilt club member for 11 years and wanted to share that experience in town.

Participants bring their sewing machines and fabrics to set up on the provided 6-foot tables in the large common area. “We brought some extra irons and ironing boards, and they just do their own thing,” said Derouin. “I advertised it as a sew day and not a quilt thing because I want people to feel free to do what they want.”

She emphasized that it’s an informal gathering and not a structured event with workshops, although people can certainly learn from others. “I think the most structure we have is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and bring your lunch. They want to do their own thing.”

Susan Dingman was one of the participants. “I’m here today because we love to sew, and we love to quilt, and we’ve got people here that are just sewing, and we’ve got quilters, and a lot of them have a lot better ideas,”

One of the things that Dingman appreciates is that she can focus on her sewing without the usual distractions at home. “You bring your own sewing machine and patterns and have fun,” said Dingman.

Morinville resident Bonnie Hartmann was busy that day sewing a new blouse.

“Well, I need to meet people,” she said. “I’m new here to the community, so

I thought it was somewhere else to meet people when I heard about this.”

The upcoming Sew Day events at the Rendez-Vous Centre are scheduled for May 6 and June 3. For more information, phone Anita Derouin at 613-406-5107.