Stories and Photos By Lisa Carolin
Chelsea’s Material Girls had their first opportunity in a long time for a big gathering on Tuesday, June 15, on the grounds of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church.
During the pandemic, the nearly 100 members of Material Girls were limited to meeting in small groups. At the June 15 gathering, there was an auction of items donated in 2020 along with a big selection of desserts to snack on, and a chance for members to socialize.
For close to 12 years, Chelsea’s Material Girls have been creating imaginative gifts out of nearly anything they can get their hands on. Members of the group have used their dexterity and creativity to offer affordable Christmas gifts and more, and have generously donated their profits to local organizations like Faith in Action.
“You do not need to know how to do any craft to join Material Girls,” said the group’s President Kelly Stoker. “Many members are quilters, sewers, artists, crafters, painters, knitters, crocheters, paper crafters, and wood workers. One of us can make or figure out how to make just about anything.”
The Material Girls make gifts for multiple bazaars including the Children’s Bazaar, Sunday Morning Church Bazaar, Concert Intermission Bazaar, and the Children’s Christmas Bazaar that takes place at the First United Methodist Church during Chelsea’s Hometown Holidays. That’s where kids ages 4 through sixth-graders can select gifts from thousands of homemade items priced from $1-$5.
Members of the Material Girls often find projects, such as the group of members who sewed and donated hundreds of masks during the pandemic.
Currently members Faye Frederick and Nancy Daly are leading a group making tote bags for clients of Safe House.
“We try to do things for the community and keep things out of the landfill by up-cycling items for other uses,” said Stoker. “We are always looking for craft items in good condition: fabric, ribbons, craft paint, findings, cool buttons, yarn, tiles, and more.”
In addition to contributing their own possessions, the group receives donations from people and businesses that are downsizing. Donations can be brought to the Methodist Church where Material Girls member Arlene Wiltse keeps things organized in one of the church’s extra rooms. The group holds meetings in the church’s social hall.
The next monthly meeting will place Tuesday, June 22 from 12-3 p.m. Contact Chris Frayer at [email protected] to learn more.
Material Girls is having a “Christmas in July” sale on Friday, July 30, beginning at 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church.
