A Slovak Souvenir

A sewing machine can be a tool for creative handmade gifts. 

Serving a mission allows opportunities to use whatever talents and skills you have, and to give to others. 

Cathie was able to locate a sewing machine and she was determined to create a beautiful Slovak apron. After seeing all the patterns, fabrics, and ribbon she began creating aprons with the idea of making her daughters a Slovak souvenir. I watched as the fabric and colorful ribbon met together under a sewing needle and became a work of art. 

Cathie then wanted to create aprons for a few of the wonderful young women who were serving a mission in eastern Slovakia. After a couple aprons were sewn together, I was amazed how beautiful they were and how unique each one was. Before long, more aprons were being designed and sewn together in our kitchen for all the female missionaries in Slovakia.

Cathie even determined to send aprons to a couple of young women who served with us but had returned to the USA.

Cathie also made aprons as gifts for some of the wonderful Slovak people we had become friends with. 

A few of the young men serving here in Slovakia noticed these wonderful souvenirs and wished they had something made from Slovak fabric. Cathie came up with the idea to add colorful Slovak ribbon onto a tie they could wear with their white shirts.

During a Zone Conference Cathie brought twenty Slovak ribbon ties and let each young man pick one out. They all immediately put the ties on and expressed just how grateful they were for this creative Slovak gift.

Cathie bought fabric or ribbon from a small fabric shop. The lady owner and her husband only speak Slovak, but through “charades” Cathie was able to get what she needed.

Over time this relationship grew warmer and friendly and now they look forward to Cathie’s visits. They have expressed interest in why she is in Slovakia and loves her passion for sewing. A sewing machine sure has created gifts of love and friends all over Slovakia.