A small room with a few sewing machines and pieces of cloth has become a sought-after refuge for many women in the Downtown Eastside.
The Door is Open, a drop-in centre just off East Cordova street, opened a “sewing corner” earlier this year as part of a grief program for women. The idea came up after volunteers discovered sewing was more popular with low-income or homeless women who were grieving than journalling and scrapbooking.
Now, the sewing corner has become a place to fix broken items as well as broken hearts. Volunteer Vanesse Ling said women who used to be afraid to use sewing machines now often come to alter or repair clothing or shoes.
They work on various other projects as well, including stuffed animals and a community quilt.
