Friends of Library Donate Sewing Machines

Sewing is alive and well in East Providence. And it just got even better. The Fuller Creative Learning Center in East Providence, an extension of the East Providence Public Library, offers classes and learning experiences for people of all ages. One of those experiences is sewing.

Ryan McCauley, Center Coordinator, noted that staff had been struggling to maintain the sewing machines that had been donated several years ago from a school department in a neighboring community. They had been used in home economics classes and were showing the effects of age and wear. Fuller Assistant Allison Stout reached out to Friends of East Providence Public Library for help. The Friends responded with funding that allowed the purchase of five new Janome Heavy Duty 1000 sewing machines. These were added to the five that were recently purchased to provide an upgraded environment for those who wish to learn to sew, as well as for experienced sewers. The sewing machines were a welcomed addition. Each has been given its own name, so Allison can identify them when repairs or maintenance are needed. True to the literary heritage of the former Fuller Library where the Center is located, the sewing machines bear the names of ten characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, Lord of the Rings. Samwise, Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Peregrin and Meriadoc were in active service on a recent visit to the Center, while Frodo, Gandalf, Elrond and others stood nearby on a shelf, ready to join in.

The Center offers classes where children and adults can learn to sew. Adults can develop new techniques, and can use their talent to create projects to benefit local non-profit organizations through the Charity Sewing Program. Friends’ Board Member Sharon DuBois organized the weekly sessions. “It’s a way to give back to the community,” she stated. Charity Sewing participants make items requested by the East Providence-based Jules Hope Chest, which assists vulnerable children and Foster Forward, which assists children aging out of foster care.

“People are thrilled that they get to make something from scratch with their own hands and are able give it to someone in need,” states Allison. Baby bibs and burp cloths, cosmetic bags, tote bags, change purses and cinch bags are among their creations. At a recent session, sewers were making fidget blankets, lap-size quilts emblazoned with buttons, ribbons and pockets with attached items to keep hands busy. They are used by children with autism and older adults in memory care settings. Charity Sewing participant Janet Dalesio noted that she always had a passion for sewing and is happy to be able to use that passion to benefit others.

With all that stitching, and use by less experienced stitchers, the sewing machines need to be routinely maintained and repaired when needed. As a follow up to the purchase of the new sewing machines, the Friends of East Providence Public Library are funding training for Allison to learn the art of sewing machine maintenance and repair, so that she can keep the new machines and a few older ones in good working order

Donations of fabric and notions, such as thread, ribbon and buttons, are always welcome and can be brought to the Fuller Creative Learning Center at 260 Dover Avenue, East Providence.