With a variety of local restaurants, fun-filled attractions, incredible lodging and 32 miles of pristine beaches, it is no wonder that Alabama Gulf Coast is the ultimate beach destination. Fourteen golf courses call your name whether you are a pro or just want to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach boast dozens of local artists’ studios where creativity reigns supreme. Among these many fabulous distractions, the Son Sewers have organized an active Sew Powerful Chapter that includes excellent participation from the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. For example, the church building is used for ‘sit ‘n sew.’ Their Mother’s Day Out and Gulf Kids make the encouragement cards. The church’s Youth assist with tracing and cutting patterns. Resale Heaven supports the Chapter with fabric and notion donations. It is definitely an all-encompassing ministry.

A vibrant local quilting community can be found in and around Gulf Shores. Not to be missed is the Azalea City Quilters Guild Festival of Quilts held annually in Mobile featuring over 300 quilts, many made by quilters outside the immediate area. The Island Quilters Guild of Gulf Shores adds to the creative nature of Baldwin County, Alabama. As the area is teeming with creative fabric artists, it should be no surprise that members of the Son Sewers hail from neighborhoods in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Craft Farms, Aventura, Pennisula and even from Pensacola, Florida. Snow Birds are welcome as well.

And if you live nearby, or visit the area, please consider joining Son Sewers, a spirit filled Chapter that welcomes the opportunity to serve as God guides. Come to Sew/Sow: card making, cutting, embellishing, sewing, ironing, pattern tracing. All skill levels welcome.

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.