LYNN — Spending so many hours doing careful work has Sarah Attanasov, member of the First Church of Christ in Lynn, finally putting her finger on why she enjoys her favorite hobby.
“I spend much time over the sewing machine, sometimes I wonder why I like it so much,” she said. “But it’s relaxing — almost like a therapy.”
Attanasov’s blankets and towels became available for local shoppers Saturday at the First Church of Christ’s annual craft fair.
Also selling handmade apparel was Jane Coombs, with help from her husband, Dick. She created products like aprons and pillowcases, many with themes such as Patriots and Celtics logos and even “Star Wars.”
“I do this all throughout the year,” Coombs said. “It gives (her husband) a nice break from me and me a nice break from him, after 66 years of marriage.”
The church’s pastor, Jack Swanson, of Quincy, worked a table selling potted plants.
“I don’t exactly have a green thumb, but I’m doing my part,” he said.
The church, located on Lynnfield Street, has a long history, Swanson said.
“It’s a smaller congregation in a more modern building,” he said. “But it’s the oldest Protestant church on the Western Hemisphere, founded in 1632.”
The craft fair, along with allowing members to sell some of their creations, is a way to raise money for the church and some programs it supports.
Crafting together colorful stones and crystals to create necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other jewelry sets is something Cheri Reinholm has been doing for four years.
“It’s a passion of mine that I love to share with people,” she said.
“Anyone can go to the store or a shop to buy something but this is more personal,” Attanasov said. “When you buy something that someone has put work into, you’re getting something personal and unique.”
