Dear Reader,

I was overwhelmed last week when I opened the package that Lynn Gray and Mauvice Murphy sent to me. The letter from Mauvice said: “Lynn and I belong to a sewing group called Sew-n-Tell. It’s the informal gathering each Monday of a group of women, (the Round Barn Quilters) and we meet in Marshfield, Wisconsin. We sew, we talk and almost everyone is a reader in our group. The sewing involves personal projects, but also benevolent sewing: lap robes, neo-natal quilts, chemotherapy hats and pillows, along with quilts for families who’ve lost their home in a fire. Two years ago we made 94 patriotic wall hangings that went to the families of our local National Guard Unit that was sent to Kuwait.

Lynn and I sit next to each other at our sewing group and we both enjoy reading your column. We speak of you as if you were a neighbor, or a long time friend who has moved away. Since in our minds, we have established this affectionate relationship with you, we collaborated on making a couple of items we think you might enjoy. Lynn did the embroideries It’s so good to read with friends, then I made the apron out of chocolate chip cookie fabric (what else could it be?) and I made the notebook cover, too. We certainly hope you enjoy them and that you’ll think of your faithful readers in Wisconsin!” —Mauvice Murphy and Lynn Gray

Mauvice and Lynn, I know I’ve already thanked you, but I must say thank you again, because I know how much work it takes to sew something. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have left this writer speechless, so I’m going to bake and send a batch of cookies your way.

Photos of some September's cookie winners, click here.