This fall, Mansons Hall opened its doors to Sew Much More, a place to sew and learn, according to organizers.

The idea for Sew Much More had its beginnings at the Cortes Island Free Store, where Marnie Andrews offered up her sewing skills this past summer. The fair weather allowed her to set up in the area just outside the front doors. It was there that she repaired items for the store that were just too good to throw away. She also taught interested patrons DIY sewing skills.

The success of those activities set the stage for the Southern Cortes Community Association (SCCA) board to approve the use of the sewing room at the Mansons Community Hall.

Sew Much More is run by a team of volunteers, including Andrews and SCCA Board Chair Cora Moret. Volunteers are on hand to guide sewers as much or as little as needed. It is an all ages offering with the proviso that children nine and under will generally need an adult to attend with them. 

Participants are encouraged to bring their sewing projects, mending and repairs. Unwanted, revamped items are donated to the Mansons Hall thrift store.

“Why throw it away, if you don’t have to! The jump in skill needed to get that repair done is not huge,” Moret says.

Sew Much More runs on Tuesday afternoons from 2-5 pm at Mansons Hall. There is no cost to participants.

To hear more about Sew Much More, listen to the CKTZ News Update below: