Sewing and crocheting for a cause
The crochet and sewing clubs get together to socialize and do good. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Natalie Ventura works on a knit piece. 
Some of the yarn goods made for charity. 
Carole Raposa and Clara Sylvia look at the crocheted goods.
Carole Raposa works on a blue scarf.
Leeanna Rego shows off a pink dress the sewing club made.
The dresses and shorts made by the sewing club.
The crochet and sewing clubs get together to socialize and do good. Photos by Kat Sheridan
Natalie Ventura works on a knit piece.
Some of the yarn goods made for charity.
Carole Raposa and Clara Sylvia look at the crocheted goods.
Carole Raposa works on a blue scarf.
Leeanna Rego shows off a pink dress the sewing club made.
The dresses and shorts made by the sewing club.
The Council on Aging doesn’t just give seniors in Dartmouth an opportunity to socialize and have fun, they’re doing good all the way to Cape Verde with their Sewing and Knitting/Crocheting for Charity clubs.
The groups started about 15 years ago, according to Nancy Miller, the Programs Coordinator for the Council.
“I think it’s important to think of people in other countries, we’re so fortunate we have so much,” said Miller. “I think that there needs to be more of that though. And it also gives the people that volunteer a real mission. They feel like they’re contributing something important, and they are.”
The clubs originated with some donated pillowcases, which the sewers turned into little dresses for children in need in Haiti. Now, they receive donated cotton fabric and make dresses and shorts for kids in Cape Verde.
A while back, one member drove to New York to pick up a large donation of fabric. She came back with six bags of assorted fabrics to use to create the pieces.
The sewing group runs like a “well oiled piece of machinery,” according to Natalie Ventura, one of the members of both the sewing and knitting groups.
Members of both groups have a role in the production of the dresses and shorts. Some cut and some sew the pieces together while others sew the elastic or ribbons on.
“That’s all they choose, because they need the support, they need the help,” said Ventura. “I love it.”
The dresses will be sent to Cape Verde in July, but the group has already made over a thousand articles of clothing. Many more will be made before the shipment is sent off.
All of the yarn for the knitting group is also donated. This group creates hats and scarves among other yarn goods.
“It’s only costing me my time, and I don’t mind that,” said Michelle Souza, a member of the knitting groups. “If I can help somebody, I’m going to do it.”
The groups are not just doing good for kids in Cape Verde, but they are also a place for members to socialize.
“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people, I think we’ve all bonded,” said Souza. “We even go out sometimes. It’s a great group of ladies.”
