Besides “how do I finish my bookmarks,” another question I often hear is “how can I get involved?” Just as there are a gazillion answers to the first question, there are a gazillion answers to the second.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to give you my gazillion answers here. Instead, I’m going to introduce you to some people who have found their own answers to that question. Each of these people single-handedly set a Stitching for Literacy ball in motion in his/her community. You can do what they’ve done or something else that suits you better. Really, it takes just one person to reach out.
Meet Phyllis.
A couple of years ago, Phyllis cross stitched bookmarks for each of her children and grandchildren, selecting patterns that represented their personal hobbies and interests. For her grandson, Brandon, she selected this bookworm pattern because he’s an avid reader. (Yay, Brandon!)
Earlier this year, Brandon took his bookmark to school and received oohs and aahs from his friends. They even wondered if Brandon’s Mammaw would make bookmarks for them.
When Brandon passed the compliments along to Phyllis, he ignited an idea. A few days later, Phyllis heard about the Needle and Thread: Stitching for Literacy Bookmark Challenge through her local EGA guild, the Dogwood Chapter in Atlanta, and this fanned the flame of the idea and started a fire. Phyllis challenged herself to stitch bookmarks for Brandon’s three friends and two teachers during the 2010 Challenge.
Each bookmark is personalized with the recipient’s name and the message, “Stitched by Brandon Sully’s Mammaw, especially for you. May 2010.”
Phyllis delivered the bookmarks to Brandon earlier this month, and Brandon proudly and promptly delivered them to his friends and teachers.
How’s that for speedy stitching? And what a gift to give to students and teachers! May they be used well and often.
Phyllis reached out and touched five new people with embroidery while supporting their reading habits. It takes just one person to make a difference. Would you like to be one? Contact me if you need help or have a story to share.
mail AT funkandweber DOT com
My email’s in the sidebar, you know.
A giant thanks to Phyllis for
- Accepting and meeting the Challenge.
- Sharing her story with us–I adore hearing what stitchers are doing!
- Taking pictures! The pictures make this post beautiful.
Categories: Needle and ThREAD
The picture makes the post beautiful – BUT the SMILES make the picture say a gazillion words!
Great story! I’m with Gayle, the smiles say it all.
I loved the story…and the people in it, especially the proud look on Brandon’s face.
I enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing.
As your friend and neighbor, I am extremely proud of you and your accomplishments.
How exciting!! The bookmarks are truly beautiful and the literacy idea is beyond compare!! How special!! Lucky lucky Brandon and friends!!