Sew Hope brings Florissant community together

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FLORISSANT, Mo. — A community sewing room is taking strength from the fabric of the St. Louis-area community it is located in.

Sew Hope is located at 630 North Highway 67 in Florissant. It also has an online presence.

Founder Kacie Starr Long is building upon a decades-old craft.

"We’re really a special place," said Starr Long. "We provide sewing lessons and quilting lessons, but I like to think of this place as a place of healing, where people can come in, forge connections and make friendships."

The friendship between volunteers Cindi Burgdorf and Terry Carpenter has produced results.

"We’re making some drawstring bags for a charity called 'Sleep in Heavenly Peace,'" said Burgdorf.

"We are making bags to carry the bedding for whenever they go out for a delivery," said Carpenter.

Sew Hope – it's about more than sewing.

Starr Long was asked why she decided to locate in Florissant. Was it a matter of location, or what?

"I like to say that God brought us here," she said.

She acknowledged it's a tall order.

"I believe He brought us here. We looked at lots of different locations, and this is what worked out," she said. "The government has been very welcoming. The community has been so supportive. And so, we are blest to be here."

Jill Triplett calls herself a regular.

"I don't sew," said Triplett. "I don't know how to sew. I don't want to sew. But I enjoy the community."

Triplett said she stops by once in a while to hang out and visit.

"I’m cutting up strips that will be tied on her Subrena's frame for wreaths," she explained.

"We are prepping for a mother-daughter or friends’ class to make a rag wreath for Mother's Day," Volunteer Subrena Milanovitz said.

First time visitor Lee Anne Ballard sums it up best.

"I used to sew a long time ago. I’m retired. This gives me something to do; I like to interact with other people, also," she said.

Starr Long said Sew Hope is modeled after their sister store, City Sewing Room, in south St. Louis. They are also launching a program with a sister school in Mozambique.