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M I N I S T R I E S AT A W A S H I N GT O N CHURCH PROVIDE COMMUNITY FOR THOSE LIVING AS REFUGEES Words and Photos by Callie Stevens
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n an early spring morning in Kent, Washington, a group of women are gathered around a tall cutting table, watching Sandy Appl demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter. The device, which looks a lot like a tiny pizza cutter, makes cutting strips of fabric as easy as drawing a line. The four tables spanning the room are brightly illuminated by a wall of windows, making it easy to see small stitches. On the side opposite the windows, ironing boards stand ready to use; above them are posters with helpful English words and phrases. When one of the instructors isn’t teaching, the room is filled with chatting and laughter. Each of the eight sewing stations has a machine, a nameplate, and a small plastic crate of supplies and halffinished projects. Over the course of six weeks, the women will make a pillowcase, an oven mitt, a baby quilt, a tote bag, and a zippered pouch.
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2019 // ISSUE 2
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRANDON SIPES