72-Year-Old Utah Woman Sews Pillowcase Dresses for Haitian Children

Everyone can make a difference in the world; ask 72-year-old Edith McClellan.

PROVO, Utah- Everyone can make a difference in the world; ask 72-year-old Edith McClellan.

Quietly and without acclaim, 72 year-old Edith McClellan is making a difference in the lives of Haitian earthquake survivors. Since the earthquake, McClellan made over 50 dresses for Haitian children.

“I turn an ordinary pillowcase into a sundress. It takes about an hour to make one dress. I use elastic and bias tape made from coordinating fabric scraps. Some dresses have special touches of embroidery, lace or bows on the hem. It only takes an hour to create one dress,” McClellan said.

McClellan watched a segment on creating sundresses from pillowcases on the PBS television show, Sewing with Nancy, which airs locally on KBYU Channel 11 and KUED Channel 7. “I knew I could make a difference once dress at a time,” McClellan said.

McClellan, an avid quilter with the Utah Hospital Quilters Guild, claims she can make something out of nothing. “I use every scrap of fabric I can find to create quilts,” she said. “I’m used to making something out of nothing.”

Now McClellan is asking for help. “I am looking for pillowcases and elastic to make children’s sundresses. If anyone has donations, please call me at 801-374-5728,” McClellan asked.

McClellan is a member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP, sponsored locally by Mountainland Association of Governments. Her volunteer service averages ten hours per week making quilts which are sold to benefit the patient services fund.

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“Our seniors are always quick to respond in time of emergency,” said Jean Hatch RSVP Program Director. “Volunteerism helps keep our seniors actively engaged, has numerous health benefits and ultimately saves tax dollars.”