At work, she stitched fur coats for Lech WM & Sons Furriers Ltd. in Peterborough, while a home, she made wedding dresses and other clothing. Three years ago, when she moved into Norwood’s Pleasant Meadow Manor, she gave away her sewing machine to her granddaughter. Evelyn Spiers hasn’t sewn a stitch since, at least not until recently.

Sewing has again become a regular part of her life after Registered Nurse Lori Elmhurst donated a machine to the long-term care home. Kathy Herron, a restorative care aide who’s an avid sewer herself, has volunteered to teach the residents. The Sewing with Kathy program will soon be regularly offered to residents at Pleasant Meadow. Evelyn has been most taken to the new hobby so far.

“Kathy got me going the other day,” says Evelyn.

“That was great.” Evelyn notes she used a different machine than she has in the past which “was a new experience in itself.” She has made 14 toss pillows for couches, six back pillows and several cases for eyeglasses.

“I’ve sewn all my life,” says Evelyn, noting she worked at the furrier for probably about 10 years. “That’s what I made my living at. I used to do sewing at home on an old treadle machine.”

Kathy, who came up with the idea after Lori donated the machine, says she wishes she had thought of the classes long ago. Kathy has had conversations with residents in the past about sewing and has shown them clothing she has sewn for her granddaughter.

“(Evelyn’s) as happy as a lark,” she says. “She loves it.”

Pleasant Meadow is acquiring another sewing machine soon so other residents can take part. The items Kathy and Evelyn have sewn so far will be donated to the home’s bazaar on Nov. 15.

Most of the fabric and stuffing has been donated by Restwell Upholstering Co. in Peterborough, although family and staff have donated material as well.