Creating Clothes, Purls of Goodwill

From simple knit and purl to fancy shell and loop stitches, some 35 women throughout the city transform balls of yarn each day into baby clothes, bootees, bonnets, blankets, bibs, diaper covers and children’s sweaters.

The women, all members of the Needlework Guild of America’s Fullerton chapter, waste no time in their quest to make beautiful garments for the poor.

In all, the 44-year-old group has 382 members--most of whom donate yarn and money for the cause. They’ve made nearly 20,000 garments so far, said Ruth Blum, the guild president. But the need for more knitters is increasing with the growing number of indigent families in Orange County, she said.

“Along with our seen gifts of new clothes and household linens are the unseen gifts of raised self-esteem, hope for the future, courage and comfort,” Blum said. “More and more of our neighbors are in need of both of these gifts.”

In addition to the handmade garments, the group spends about $25,000 each year, buying new clothes, shoes and even uniforms for every person they are asked to help.

The needy are referred to the guild by several local organizations, including the Fullerton Joint Union High School District’s teen pregnancy program, the county’s social service groups and Fullerton Interfaith Emergency Service.

“There are very few agencies you can turn to to get a layette for a newborn baby or a uniform or the proper shoes for someone who needs them to start a new job,” said Barbara Johnson of Fullerton Interfaith. “The guild is really making a difference. A lot of love, effort and caring goes into their gifts, and that transfers to the recipients.”

Guild members gather three times a year to plan their Cotton Ball fund-raiser, an annual dance, and read “thank you” letters.

Blum said the notes written by children are the group’s favorites.

“The letters with all the spelling errors are the best,” she said. “One girl drew a picture of herself in the outfit that we gave her.”