The Dressmakers

About 10 years ago, Sofia M., then age 83 and an accomplished quilter, decided to do something different with her leftover fabric and time.  Sofia began sewing size 4 little girl’s sundresses to donate to the mission office near her rural home in central Minnesota. As her project progressed she set a goal for herself to make 100 dresses a year until she had made 1,000 dresses. Through Sofia’s son she heard about the work Arm In Arm In Africa was doing in South Africa and she asked that some of the dresses be sent along with Father James Cassidy on his annual trip.

It has been many years and with great delight that the delegation has shared the beautiful cotton dresses with  2-4 year old girls they meet in South Africa . This is the 10th year of the dressmaking for Sofia M. and, with this year’s work, Sofia has met her ultimate goal of 1,000 sundresses.

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If you are interested in becoming a AIAIA dressmaker please contact us.

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This story of a seasoned seamstress inspired Virginia M. of Northfield to join in the work of making sundresses as well, sewing dresses for the past two years. In addition. Virginia has, since 2007, sent with the AIAIA delegation a handmade quilt which is presented to the youngest baby and his/her mother by the youngest delegate. This presentation has become a tradition, a warm gift of love across the miles to a young mother and her newborn baby.

      In addition, since 2007, Virginia has sent with the AIAIA delegation a handmade quilt which is presented to the youngest baby and his/her mother by the youngest delegate. This presentation has become a tradition, a warm gift of love across the miles to a young mother and her newborn baby.