Students in the beginner’s sewing leisure class fill a community need many people don’t even know exist.
Chemotherapy patients often leave the hospital with medicine ports, which can be uncomfortable when touched. Several patients don’t wear their seat belts correctly, if at all, said Ledie Bradley, a leisure class student.
Port pillows are an optional project taught by leisure class instructor Angie Boudreaux. The pillows strap onto the seat belt, cushioning the port so patients can be buckled in safely.
Boudreaux sends the pillows to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, where they are placed in a central location for clients.
Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge is a nonprofit organization that offers supplies and services to cancer patients free of charge. They operate on community donations, said Chrissy Dupuy, marketing development manager.
Dupuy said pillows run out soon after they arrive, and clients are always thankful.
“We are so appreciative to LSU and the community as a whole because our mission is to improve life for those living with cancer,” Dupuy said. “Stuff like this really helps us fulfill that mission.”
The last day of leisure sewing is reserved for a personal project. Many students chose to work on the port pillows, and some take home kits.
Cancer Services accepts port pillows from organizations as well as individuals.
“Sewers and quilters are generally generous with their time and talent,” Boudreaux said. “And anytime there is a need, it can be filled.”
Norrie Falgoust, LSU alumna and leisure class student, said after posting about the pillows on Facebook, four people reached out to her wanting one for themselves or a friend.
“To me, it was more than just words,” Falgoust said. “I was actually able to do something that could help them while they are going through the scary process of having cancer and getting treated for it.”
Boudreaux also teaches the beginner classes how to make pillowcases and gives out information on ConKerr Cancer, an organization that makes pillowcases for pediatric oncology patients.
The connection between leisure classes and community outreach is a great way for a person to enrich themselves and their community, Falgoust said.
Boudreaux said each class starts with a flurry of activity, and after about 15 minutes of set-up, time starts to fly.
Classes consist of a diverse range of students: young and old, students, alumni, professionals and retirees.
The typical class lasts about three hours, but with eager students arriving early and determined students staying late, Boudreaux said she sometimes stays up to five hours.
Once she helps students make sense of pattern and tutorial language, Boudreaux said most students find their natural talent. She loves to see students bloom in their sewing skills and find their confidence.
“We have a great deal of fun and a lot of new friendships can form when you are in a room with humor, sewing machines and mistakes,“ said Boudreaux.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Zoe Geauthreaux

Materials used in a sewing class which makes pillows to be sent to cancer services.