DEARNE Callaghan has always enjoyed sewing and patchwork. The Forbes based Currajong Disability Services (CDS) client has an extensive history in the field and after a short hiatus has reinvigorated her interest since enrolling in the new sewing program offered at CDS in Parkes.

Under the watchful eye of support worker Deitre Jackson, Dearne as well as others from the regular Tuesday group now sew and knit and have not only donated designer quilts to Parkes Hospital’s Encology department but also began selling these niche creative designs.

While there is no mass production line in full swing yet, the burgeoning numbers of women and men now undertaking the course has risen and so too has the volume and quality.

“The program has been running for 12 months and been very successful,” said Deitre Jackson.

“Everyone seems to be enjoying it and it has been well-received.

“We welcome everyone to come along and try it out.”

For Dearne Callaghan it is the honing of old skills and learning new tricks that drew her to the course.

“I hope it continues to grow,” said Dearne.

“It allows us to try more and do it more often,” she said.

“It’s lots of fun and I would recommend it to anyone!”

For Dietre Jackson, the focus has been on maintaining and developing a strong centre based program and the results are obvious.

“Everyone enjoys it who does it,” she said.

“In my eight years here it is refreshing to see this taking off and giving our clients another avenue to participate, learn and gain personal satisfaction.

“It has helped with their confidence and development immeasurably.”

Contact Currajong Disability Services to donate, support or purchase today