Golden Needles Sewing and quilting began many years ago at the Lititz Church of the Brethren. We have templates dated back to the early 1900’s! The Golden Needles officially began in January 2005. Pastor Kettering challenged the congregation to think of ways to earn money to help pay the remodeling costs. It all started with a table runner pattern that Nancy Erwin showed to Joanne Hess. Nancy suggested that Joanne could make it and sell it to make money for our debt reduction. Joanne thought it was a good idea but suggested that Nancy join her on a Tuesday and help sew. We had no "master plan", but looking back, God did. We decided we needed to have a name. Jean Bachman suggested Golden Needles. In January 2005 we started sewing. We decided it would be great if we could get a stand at the Rotary Craft Show in Lititz. It is usually difficult to get a stand, but we knew that Kenny Martin would be a good contact. He got us a stand and we got busy stitching. We made our first deposit to the debt reduction on March 8, 2005, for $195.00. All our money was given to the debt reduction until October of 2012, when that debt was paid. Starting September 2013, all the money earned at the Brethren Disaster Relief Auction craft show went to Disaster Relief. The money earned at the Lititz Craft Show goes to the fund for building maintenance. Since 2013 we have given support to many organizations: Feed My Sheep Sewing machines and fabric to Haiti Dresses for Samaritan’s Purse every year For One Life COBYS Align Ministries Amanda Fabiano-women in Africa Faith Fellowship We have been blessed with many people who donated fabric. One especially comes to mind. Jean Hoover had a fabric store. Due to an illness that eventually made her bed ridden, she decided to give us some fabric from her store, which she had stored in her basement. What a gift. Her donation gave us a jump start. There is a scrappy quilt hanging in the cornerstone Sunday School room made in her honor from fabrics she donated. Every year we have donated many quilted items to the Quilt Auction for disaster relief. This past year we donated 22 items to the auction bringing $12,230 for disaster relief. Over the years both young and old have joined our group. During Summer Kids Alive, we taught some young ones how to sew. We welcome all ages to come and join the Golden Needles We appreciate all of the support we receive, from those buying the items we create, to those donating fabric and sharing new ideas. We sew every Tuesday in the Cornerstone Room from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. We have a great group of sewers and hand quilters. Approximately 16 to 20 ladies are in our group. We have a “men’s auxiliary” who supports us with our shows. Join us! To God Be the Glory |
Golden Needles Displays
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