Welcome to Chelsea, Alabama, found in the very center of the state. Chelsea is part of the greater Birmingham metropolitan area, but big city life pales in comparison to the friendly, family-oriented community you will find in Chelsea. The community celebrates the 4 th of July with the Big Kaboom and Christmas with the annual parade. Flags along the highway salute every patriotic holiday. A favorite event is the bienniel Birmingham Quiltfest that showcases local talent. Adding to the hometown camaraderie is the Sew Powerful PurSEWverence Chapter, which is supported with prayers and notecards by Bold Springs Presbyterian Church.

The enthusiastic members of the PurSEWverence Chapter are excited to be part of the ministry of Sew Powerful. They love sharing fabric and ideas for embellishing the colorful purses they make. The chapter officially meets monthly, but the members are so dedicated they often meet informally in between meetings to sew a few extra purses. Non-sewers will be busy creating encouragement cards to put inside each purse. Chapter meetings consist of social interaction, prayer, sharing new information about Sew Powerful, and exchanging some sewing tips and tricks. All sewing levels are welcome, with members coming in from all over Shelby County, including from Chelsea, Sterrett, Westover, Pelham, and Birmingham.

The purses you make will be gifted to schoolgirls in the African country of Zambia. The purses will be filled with reusable feminine hygiene supplies, soap, and underwear so the girl can attend school all month. Sew Powerful hires adults in Zambia living in extreme poverty. They are trained and paid a living wage to make the contents of the purses. The result is a triple benefit:

• Schoolgirls have a chance to excel in their studies and complete their education.
• Adults earn wages to feed, clothe, and house their families, giving them dignity and hope.
• Volunteers use their talents to make purses bringing them immeasurable joy knowing their efforts have changed lives.

Sew Powerful exhibits in many Quilting and Sewing expos throughout the United States and internationally. We would love to meet you in person at one of these events!

Until then, follow the links below to get started right away.

• Get the FREE Sew Powerful Purse Patterns HERE
• Join our Sew Powerful Purse Project Facebook group HERE
• Stay up to date on on-line and in person events HERE.