Local Hands, Global Impact: About FAC’s SewQuilt Group

There’s nothing like the satisfaction and joy of spending time on something you love to do. Have you ever wondered if your hobby could become a way to join Jesus? The FAC SewQuilt Group brings together women of all ages who share a love for sewing, quilting and serving others, all while supporting FAC’s local and global partnerships. We recently sat down with the group’s leader, Karen, to learn more about the group’s story. 

FAC: How did you first get involved with the SewQuilt Group?   

Karen: “The Sew Quilt group has been a part of FAC for many years. At the time I joined, we had 2 separate groups, sewing and quilting. I joined the sewing group as I was more experienced in that area. I don’t remember the exact year I joined, but as a sewer, I always thought I would join. I knew several women who were part of the group, and one fall, my schedule seemed to open up, so I decided to give it a try!  

Not only was I able to sew and produce items to donate, but I got to be a part of a lovely community of women who come together regularly to learn from each other and create new friendships. There have been lots of women involved over the years who have used their sewing talents to serve others.” 

FAC: Is there a particular project or partnership that touched your heart? How has the group evolved since you joined? 

Karen: “We sewed clothing for orphans in Thailand. We had a connection with one of the directors of an orphanage, so we were able to send clothing without incurring shipping expenses. The director, Marg Baker, whenever home visiting Canada, would share stories of the joy the children would experience when they received their new clothing from us. She always said, “Whatever was needed, God would provide!” We trusted God to make what we thought would be most useful to the children in this orphanage. 

Every time she returned to Thailand with suitcases full of clothes, each child would receive something new! God indeed provided! When we would receive photos or videos of the children, we were so blessed to witness their joy and enthusiasm. It also spurred us on, encouraging us to continue. Marg also passed on clothes that no longer served their needs as she and others ventured into the mountains to minister to the mountain people, a group living in even more dire need than those in the area near the orphanage. These clothes have now served even more children. 

A few years ago, she retired from her position in Thailand, so we stopped making clothes for that orphanage. About the same time, our group’s numbers started to dwindle. Women moved away, some passed away, and illness prevented others from staying in our group. Our ministry partners at the time didn’t need our donations anymore, as their focus of serving had changed.  

It was then that we decided to join the sewing and quilting groups into one. I remember one week, only 6 of us showed up. We prayed that God would give us direction, “Should we continue? What projects and ministries could we support?” We remembered that God always gave the orphans in Thailand just what they needed; He faithfully inspired us to send items that were useful and deeply appreciated.   

Well, God answered our prayers ABUNDANTLY. God has given us so many opportunities to serve Him with our gifts and talents since then. We have new women who joined our group, and now, 15 to 18 of us meet weekly to sew together. We’re bursting at the seams! Pun intended!  

We also found some new projects to help with. We started making bags for another member of our church who was working with an organization trying to help women who want to leave the s*x trade. We had been making quilts in the quilt group, which were donated to seniors’ groups, pregnancy care centres, and a home for pregnant teens.”   

FAC: What projects is the FAC SewQuilt Group working on now? 

Karen: “We organize a craft sale each November stocked with quilts, home décor, crafts, and gifts all made by the group, with all proceeds going to Camp Chamisall. The camp, part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, provides a camp experience in the Waiparous Valley for children and youth, providing “a safe, caring and unique place to encounter that amazing love of Christ”. Our sale supports facility maintenance and upgrade projects as well as camper scholarships. 

These are some of the projects completed in 2025 and we’ll continue to support these groups this year as well: 

Global Donations: 

• STM to Cambodia: 4 twin quilts to be used by team and then washed and left to be distributed as needed 

Local Donations: 

• FAC Refugees: 15 quilts 

• Food Bank: 12 baby quilts to families new to Calgary 

• Recovery Foothills Hospital: Heart pillows to heart and breast cancer patients (20) 

• Heart Scents: Flannel fabric hearts in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (200) 

• Canada Safe Families: 50 pillowcases for children in temporary foster care 

• Silvera for Seniors, Beaverdam: 20 lap/twin quilts 

• Mona Ministry for the homeless, Forest Lawn area: mitts (100 pairs), messenger bags (65), box bags for toiletries (50) 

• Basically Babies: 75 receiving blankets, 45 burp cloths and bibs, 60 quilts, 10 tote bags 

• Lasagne Love: 12 quilted lasagna pan holders 

• Woods homes: 45 pillowcases 

• Christmas Craft Sale (November 2025): over $10,000 raised for Camp Chamisall 

God has truly provided us with abundant opportunities to help others! If you enjoy sewing or quilting and want to use your skills to bless others, we’d love for you to join us. Bring a working sewing machine and a solid knowledge of basic sewing skills, and come ready to be part of this wonderful community!” 

 Thank you, Karen, for sharing about the impact of SewQuilt, one of the Interest Groups offered at FAC.