Sewing specialist

If it can be stitched, sewn or crocheted, Nanette “Nan” Weesner can do it.

Team blankets? She will do it.

Dresses? Yep.

Crocheted scarves? Take your pick of dozens.

Weesner was busy last week, getting ready for her weekend show, some proceeds of which benefit her church. It’s billed as “Church of God of Prophecy presents Nan Weesner.”

A native of Marion, Weesner has been pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy since 2011 when she was recruited by church overseer members to serve as interim pastor of the Portland church.

Although she had served in youth ministry for many years and had been a preacher since 1987, she had never held the role full-time. That all changed with her move to Portland. But it was just until a new pastor could be recruited.

“You see how that went,” she chuckled.

But along with her desire to pastor she also brought her love of sewing. A room on the west side of the church building on Creagor Avenue just east of IU Health Jay is bulging with her work and attests to her love of the craft.

While she spends hours at her sewing machine, she’s eager to pass that talent on to others. She also offers sewing classes.

“Nobody sews anymore,” the spirited Weesner said last week.

Her students range in age from 9 to 80 and as many as eight attend the regular sessions.

“Everybody has a box,” she said, opening a plastic container, “and I tell them they all need these two things — a seam ripper and a tape measure.”

Weesner recently bought a sewing machine that allows her to do embroidery work on her pieces.

“I spent 10 hours on my machine yesterday,” she said as she brought out two tiny, intricate pieces she made.

In addition to all the projects at the church, she said she recently moved to a larger house on Second Street that is also overflowing with her creations.

“I am so blessed,” Weesner said, “I have people give me material all the time,” explaining pieces made from donated Vera Bradley material.

There are blankets made of every pattern imaginable.

“I have all the team patterns,” she said.

Much of her work is completed and sold for the benefit of the church, which has a congregation that averages about 18 each week. She has a booth set up at Jay County Event Center for its fall and spring Trunk to Treasures show and she participates in Jay County Historical Society’s Heritage Festival. She also is a member of the Stitch ’N’ Chatter Quilt Club in Portland.

She has advertised in The Commercial Review to do mending.

“I’ve had probably 20 jackets that needed new zippers,” Weesner said of the response.

“Jesus heals hearts, Nan mends clothes,” a quote in the shop reads.

Much of her sewing is specially ordered.

From 1996 to 2010 she taught at a private school and was deeply involved with Youth Explosion Ministries Inc. She has earned degrees from Ivy Tech, Indiana Wesleyan and a Bible college in Cleveland, Tennessee. She has lived in Wyoming, Colorado, Kentucky and Michigan working for various oil companies. She holds degrees in computer science as well as in accounting.

In 2015 the church suffered severe flood damage and has been struggling to make much needed repairs ever since.

“It’s what keeps me going,” Weesner said as she sat amid her vast array of items.

In addition to all the sewing there are totes filled with smaller crocheted items such as coasters, pot holders and scrubbies. Another tote is filled with neck scarves made of special yarn.

Another room at the church, one that also serves as her office, is covered with sheets as members made noodles in preparation for last weekend’s special event.

Additionally, Weesner and several youth of the church present blacklight puppet shows.

“We have made some really awesome puppets,” Weesner said.

“Boring is not in my vocabulary,” Weesner said smiling, and talking about all the repairs she is hoping can be made at the church.