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A glance into the basement of Ruth Witt's Putnam Road home in New Canaan home tells you she's a busy lady with yarn and cloth. Look one way and you see the face of music legend Elvis Presley on a couch pillow. Look the other and drawers are filled with scarves, quilts and even cloth books for babies and toddlers.
"They tell a story," she said. Some might call her a magician with her trusty Singer sewing machine. But she's happy simply being a member of the New Canaan Sewing Group.
Originally known as the Sewing Committee of the VNA, the Sewing Group began in 1931 when a group of friends gathered to sew layettes, nightgowns and specialty clothing for families of the Visiting Nurses Association.
Today the group makes items for a pair of annual sales at St. Mark's Church, with all proceeds going to organizations that assist New Canaan and surrounding towns. The sales usually generate between $40,000 and $50,000.
Witt, 72, joined the Sewing Group about 15 years ago on the recommendation of a friend who knew she enjoyed sewing. "It's fun to be with the group. It lets you express creativity," said Witt, a member of the club's Group B, which specializes in crafts, sewing and items for the popular American Doll figures. "It's very satisfying."
Other divisions in the group handle hand sewing, knitting for children, handmade items and needlepoint creations. In all, the Sewing Group has 125 members. Most of the Sewing Group's units meet weekly to talk or just to brainstorm. The sewing club is now ramping up in preparation for the annual Holiday Boutique, set for Nov. 19 at St. Mark's Church.
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