Sewing club swaps laughs and stitches

Ten ladies spread out their sewing machine on another Thursday night at the monthly Sewing Club meeting at Creative Sewing Shops in Nanuet. Missy Mulligan instructs the meeting with a new sewing project each month. 

Creative Sewing Shops owner Ron Linhart says that the projects done at the club meetings are fun and helpful and even if the projects seem frivolous, the main point of it will be learning to use new materials and techniques.

Sally Costa has been frequenting the sewing club for more than 10 years.

"I always learn something new," she said despite how long she's been a member.

Although Mulligan teaches at the meetings, Linhart is there to lend a hand. Costa came to the club meeting Thursday night to learn but also to get a small sewing machine problem fixed by Linhart.

"He really is a remarkable businessman," Costa said of Linhart. "He helps me fix my machine on spot." Friends also join the club as a girls' night out activity. About three years ago, Costa's friend Laurie Wohl joined the club to spend time with Costa.  

"I love [the club]," Wohl said. "I used to sew when I was a teenager. I haven't sewn a stitch in 40 years." She laughed and went on to say that Missy's teaching are a great help. 

"Missy teaches you a concept, and you can go home and use it again for different reasons." 

Another feature of the Sewing Club is the "Show and Tell." Members can bring in their finished home projects to show off to the group and get a $1 coupon toward the store. 

Wohl brought in a bathrobe she had made.

"I like to see what other people make and get inspired," she said.

Another member, Cathy Gaur, has been with the club for nine years and goes with her friends to the meetings.

"I like what I learn. I like the companionship," she said. "The service here is phenomenal." Gaur remembers a time when she had a sewing problem and called Creative Sewing Shops at night and Linhart helped her through the problem over the phone. 

On top of sewing products, fabrics and machines, Creative Sewing Shops offers a variety of classes and programs such as private sewing lessons, beginner sewing and classes designed to teach people how to use certain sewing software. These classes start at $20 with separate costs for the project kit in which all the necessary fabrics and templates are provided. 

Creative Sewing Shops started 17 years ago and has been at its current location, 28 N. Middletown Rd in Nanuet, for five years.