When John Chamberlin formed a quilting group at Providence’s Grace Church he couldn’t have known that he was getting out in front of the pandemic crafting craze. In October of 2019 he began gathering people in the Pavilion to work on quilting projects destined for Child + Family Services, in affiliation with the non-profit group, My Very Own Blanket. The blankets they make are blessed and given to foster children, who often have very little of their own to carry with them. Covid put an early, temporary stop to these in-person gatherings, but not to the work of this dedicated group, which like many of us, found comfort in its projects. Covid restrictions having eased, they have resumed their in-person quilting sessions on Wednesday mornings, from 9:30 to 11:30. New members are always welcome and need not belong to Grace Church. Donations of fabric, batting, and other supplies may be made by contacting John, at jchamberlin1944@gmail.com or 401-598-6489.
Sewing needles weren’t the only needles keeping busy over these last few years. As one of her pandemic projects, Jane Ditmars put together a knitting ministry, creating prayer shawls which are given, with a prayer, to those who are ill, in grief, or otherwise struggling. Hats, mittens and scarves have been made and given to Dorcas International for Afghan refugees, and newborn baby hats donated to Women and Infants Hospital. This group shares fellowship and space at the Pavilion with the quilters on Wednesday mornings, from 10:00. Anyone interested in learning more or donating to the group should contact Jane at shawls@gracepvd.org. If you are curious about starting a group of your own, Jane would be happy to discuss that with you as well.