One hundred quilts and counting

Augusta Road member shares story behind her church’s sewing ministry

By Dr. Shawn Armstrong

As an elder, I have always thought deeply about the church’s role in teaching our young people how to survive in times of trouble, such as how to coupon to save money, how to cook and how to sew. That is why I was so excited to find out that Augusta Road United Methodist Church, Piedmont, actually had a free weekly sewing group to help beginners learn the craft of sewing.

The instructor of this very relaxed course is Beth Patterson, and she has just finished her 100th quilt. These quilts are beautiful works of art, and since most of the quilts go to people who are hurting in the church and community, it has been such a blessing to see the reactions of those who have been recipients.

This week, I got a chance to sit down with Beth and ask her a few questions:

Me: Beth, when was your first experience with a sewing machine and what was it like?

Beth: The first time I ever sewed on a machine was back in the mid 1970s in home economics. We all had to learn sewing, and I chose to make bib overalls. Well, back then all the girls had long straight hair. Mine was down to my waist. I somehow managed to sew my hair to my pants! After the teacher stopped laughing, she had to cut my hair to get it out. After that, I never sewed again until about five years ago.

Me: LOL, I had a similar experience in middle school home economics class. What was it like when you had the courage to pick up sewing again?

Beth: I got it into my head I was going to learn to quilt. I bought a basic Brother machine at Walmart on sale for $40. I bought a book and some fabric, and soon found out you really cannot learn quilting from a book. While talking to people at church, I found out that many fabric stores give classes. I took a few classes and learned a lot. Since then, I have found websites that offer free tutorials. I have learned most of what I know from them.

Me: How did sewing begin to intersect with your church life?

Beth: There was a lady at our church who used to make prayer blankets for people who had surgery or were seriously ill. She left the church when her husband became a preacher. There was a child in our church who was in the hospital and terribly ill. We were all praying for him. Another member asked me if anyone was making a prayer blanket for him. How she knew I was learning to quilt I will never know. I could not get it out of my head. I called our pastor and asked if I could get reimbursed for the fabric if I made a quilt for the child. I really could not afford the fabric on my own. I worked hard on that quilt, and it was only the third quilt I had ever made. I was amazed at how much it was appreciated. After about the fourth or fifth quilt, the pastor said I did not need to get approval for every quilt. Now I had a budget! 

About three years ago I started a sewing group at church named “Sew What.” We meet weekly. We encourage each other, teach each other and share equipment. It is a wonderful group, and I really enjoy not just sewing, but the fellowship as well.

These days I sew every day and have now made more than 100 quilts. I think about 85 to 90 have gone to the church. I really do not keep track. The Lord always lets me know who needs one, and I am so blessed to be able to do this for people.

Me: What is the best advice you could give to people who are interested in sewing or starting a sewing ministry in the church?

Beth: The best advice I could give anyone wanting to make prayer quilts is to pray, a lot. The Lord will tell you who needs a quilt and even what fabric and pattern to use. Listen a lot and be open to what the Lord is telling you to do. Join or form a sewing group. Sew a lot. While I admit that I spend most of my time making quilts, the blessing that I have received far outweighs the effort I put in. 

What a blessing to hear such a wonderful story. Beth, we at Augusta Road United Methodist Church celebrate your hard work in ministering to those in need.

We uphold you in prayer as you begin prayer quilt No. 101.

For additional information on how this special ministry runs, call the church office at 864-243-2829.