Area crafters bond at ‘Sew Desperate’ in Washougal

A local woman has developed a space for crafters, scrappers and sewers to work on their creations for a day or two at a time.Anna Davis, of Washougal, spent Sunday with her sister Linda Hinsvark, of Scappoose, Ore., and other friends at “Sew Desperate” — a place with no guys, kids or TVs.

Davis rents the space at 1324 “E” St., Washougal, and provides tables and chairs for crafters to complete their various projects on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cost to craft there is $15 per person, per day.

In the past, the women worked on their craft projects once a month at various rented locations throughout the year.

“All the ladies here have been together for five years,” said Barbara York, of Washougal. “I love it. It’s a place I can spread out. At home, I’m bothered by the phone and laundry. Here, it’s truly very relaxing. It’s hard to spread out this much in your own living room.

“Women like to get together,” she added.

On Sunday, LaWanda Pearce, of Vancouver, worked on a Thanksgiving wall hanging she plans to give as a gift.

“It’s great every weekend,” she said. “You do get your projects done.

“Unfinished projects take up space,” Pearce added.

Her cousin, Julia Schlaht, of Vancouver, made Christmas cards and finished four fleece blankets over the weekend.

Schlaht has heard the acronyms “UFOs” and “P.I.G.S.” from other crafters, as they refer to unfinished objects and projects in grocery sacks.

Davis knows about unfinished projects, including the Thanksgiving placemats that have been packed away for a year in her house.

“If I can get them done, we’ll have Thanksgiving dinner on them,” she said.

Sew Desperate is scheduled to continue this weekend, as well as Nov. 17 and 18, 24 and 25, and Dec. 1 and 2. It has not been determined if it will continue beyond that.

Davis is enjoying the opportunity to learn new crafting techniques from others.

“We have camaraderie, get away from it all and have big time girl talk,” she added.

LEGO event to be held Monday

Children, ages 4 to 10, are invited to play with LEGOs when schools are not in session on Veterans Day.

Davis will host an event Monday, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Sew Desperate location.

“Bring their LEGOs, and they can play all day,” Davis said. “Gatorade, water, pizza and prizes will be provided.”

The cost to participate will be $25 per person, and space is limited to 10.

Davis’ grandson, Darrin, 10, inspired the LEGO event.

“He calls this [space] my ‘clubhouse,’” she said.

For more information about Sew Desperate or to register for the LEGO event, contact Davis at 835-7030 or AnnaDavis59@hotmail.com.