Threads of Love Weekend for Sewful Sisters at Pickwick Lake with Lots of Corn Dip, Catfish, Smocking,and Friendship

My cousin, Barbara Jarvis, spent a weekend of work and fun at Pickwick Lake recently with ten ‘sewful sisters.’ Sara Norris invited friends who had met several years ago on a sewing chat forum to gather for their second annual retreat. These women from across the country converged at the Norris cabin near the Tennessee/Mississippi line to share all things sewing. Their common ‘sewing thread’ is that they all sew for small children. Some sew for their children who are as young as two; others sew for their grandchildren while Sara and Laurie also offer some of their designs for sale.

Needless to say, these weekend seamstresses took turns talking about their families and what had happened since they last met. Most of this talented gaggle have no one who really speaks their language on a daily basis so the idea and information exchange once a year is incredible.

This year, their weekend project was organized by the talented Laurie Anderson who regularly contributes to Sew Beautiful magazine. Laurie has started a chapter of the sewing ministry called Threads of Love in her hometown of Columbia Tennessee. Laurie brought all the fabric, patterns and trims for the garments they made. They cut out the patterns while sitting on the deck enjoying perfect weather, and had several sewing machines and sergers set up inside.

In between sessions, they converged around tables spread with favorite foods or ventured out for regional specialties like pit barbecue or catfish from Hagy’s on the banks of the Tennessee River. Homemade chicken salad and pimento cheese are staples on any southern summer table, this one included. Anita Roy, a recently retired teacher brought a dip that everyone declared “a keeper.”

These women use their talents to help others at difficult times in their lives, and have fun doing it. Laurie, Sara, Anita and Barbara hope you will consider starting your own chapter of Threads of Love. For they all know that it is truly a blessing to give than to receive and they are thankful for this opportunity.

Threads of Love
As Christians, we are all given a gift and are expected to develop and use it to collectively support and comfort one another. Through all circumstances we serve God and He has been continually faithful, providing all the necessities of this ministry as it grows - chapter by chapter - to bring God's love and comfort to others.
For premature or sick babies, Threads of Love Ministry provides: a packet containing a crocheted or knitted cap, day gown, blanket, lovie doll and a prayer for healing.
When a parent is faced with the death of an infant through miscarriage, infant death or stillbirth, we reach out to them with a packet showing God's love through our sewing skills, silently saying, "You are loved." At this time, a packet is used containing a bonnet, dress, blanket and a prayer for healing of a broken heart.
All items are made by volunteers. Materials and labor are donated by ladies who are part of the Threads of Love ministry, who show their love for the Lord by using their sewing talents in serving the Lord.

Corn Dip
3 cans Mexicorn (drained)
Green Giant has a new “Southwestern Corn” that I mixed w/ the Mexicorn
1 cup sour cream (light)
1 cup mayo (light)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Red pepper/ Louisiana hot sauce/Cajun seasoning to taste!
Mix all together in a bowl. It's better if refrigerated overnight and served with Fritos corn scoops!
Visit Threads of Love http://www.threadsoflove.org
Visit Sara Norris http://heirloomboutique.blogspot.com
Visit Laurie Anderson http://www.southern-stitches.com
Visit Barbara Jarvis http://inchloesworld.blogspot.com