A community group of adults in their mid-20s to 60s gathers to sew, crochet, and mend items using fabric, thread, needles, and scissors. Members work on varied projects, from repairing jeans to stitching quilts and upcycling old Ugg boots with tobacco packaging. Participants describe the group as a safe place to express themselves and meet friends. Some join after personal losses and use crafting as a way to return to hobbies like hiking. Experienced sewers find the activity calming, while others create first projects such as embroidered designs to cover stains. The group also brings together interests like wildlife biology and traditionally feminine crafting, challenging stereotypes.
""I moved here four years ago, and it's been really hard finding friends," she said. "So this is really special to have a place where I can come, and it feels safe. You can express yourself -like I'm making something so weird, but nobody's being judgmental about it. Everybody's been really accepting and kind.""
""I'm glad I found this group, because last year I lost my dog and we used to hike all the time," Surles said. "So now, I have my opportunity to hike again." Surles was working on a little crochet turkey for her Thanksgiving centerpiece. "Everybody's doing their own thing, while working and talking," Surles said. "It's like we're already friends, but we didn't know each other. It's beautiful.""
""Being outdoors is really masculine, and the field of wildlife biology is a male-dominated field, while sewing and crafting is very much considered feminine," she said."
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