Noble Threads Community Sewing Group began a little more than two years ago at Noble Avenue Baptist Church after a Quilt of Valor was made for a woman veteran in the congregation. The project sparked interest in forming a sewing group, and with the support of Pastor Brian Frank, weekly gatherings were approved and quickly took shape.
The group meets every Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and welcomes anyone interested in sewing or learning to sew. Early meetings were small, with just a few participants working on personal projects and getting to know one another.
After cofounder Theresa Casper and her husband relocated to Louisiana, the future of the group was uncertain. Despite being new to both the church and the community, Kathy Peltier decided to continue the effort, drawing on experience from similar programs in Arizona.
Word of the group spread through social media, and community response followed. Sewing machines were donated, along with large amounts of fabric, including quilt materials given in memory of loved ones. Donations eventually included funds for a mid arm quilting machine, which members are now learning to use. Aside from batting, thread and accessories, nearly all materials used by the group have been donated.
As membership grew and skills expanded, the group began focusing on service projects. Quilts and pillowcases were created for foster children to provide comfort and dignity during times of transition. The effort led to partnerships with organizations such as The 111 Project, which supports foster families and works to prevent children from entering the foster care system through community assistance.
Members also make items for new mothers, including handmade taggies, receiving blankets and burp cloths. Some have created small giraffes to accompany these gifts. Quilts are provided to the neonatal intensive care unit at Integris, where each and every baby receives a quilt. One of the group’s members, an 87-year-old volunteer, completes hand-embroidered quilt blocks that are incorporated into these NICU quilts.
Additional projects have included quilts for cancer patients undergoing treatment, injured law enforcement officers, and families displaced by fire, as well as households lacking adequate heat. The group has made walker bags, clothing repairs, tissue holders for Operation Christmas Child boxes, gifts for residents in retirement communities, and embroidered towels for local educators. Fidget mats are currently being made for memory care patients.
Today, Noble Threads has about 20 regular participants, including women, men and children. During school breaks, teachers and their children often join in. Young participants help create items such as bookmarks, tic-tac-toe games, tissue holders, and taggies for foster children and Operation Christmas Child boxes.
The group meets at Noble Avenue Baptist Church, 1219 W. Noble Ave., in the fellowship hall of the east building. Parking and entry are available at the rear of the church. Participants are welcome to come and go as their schedules allow. Sewing machines and supplies are provided, though members may also bring their own projects. The group is open to all and is not limited to women.
Noble Threads welcomes new members and donations. Monetary contributions may be made to Noble Avenue Baptist Church with Noble Threads noted in the memo. Donations of fabric and working sewing machines are also accepted. For more information, contact Kathy Peltier at sewin4all53@gmail.com .