On October 3, 2026, the “Long Lines” beginner sewing students continued building their sewing machine skills—and put them to work making pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles.
This month, students learned how to thread their machines and balance thread tension. They also began learning about the all-purpose presser foot and how it is used for everyday sewing.
For their first project, students used pillowcase cuff and body templates made from recycled election signs to cut their fabric pieces. They learned the “hot dog” method for sewing the cuff to the pillowcase body.
Next they learned two different ways to finish their seams: a zig-zag clean finish and a French seam.
The finished pillowcases will be donated to Ryan’s Case for Smiles, which provides cheerful pillowcases to children in hospitals. Learn more about Ryan’s Case for Smiles.
A special thank-you to Wendy and Mike, who donated two bags of fabric for our students to use!
Want More Sewing Time?
Missed class or want some extra time at the machine? Join us for Craft Circle on October 17 at 11 AM, when you can sew, work on your own projects, or spend some time with fellow crafters.
Looking for a Halloween or Renn Faire project? You can also make the October craft circle project — a Three-Seam Cloak from a bedsheet and a spool of 5/8-inch ribbon. It’s a simple beginner-friendly project that can be finished in time for Halloween or Renn Faire season.
Coming Up in Long Lines
Our next “Long Lines” classes will be November 7 and December 5, when students will learn to make a basic 12-block quilt to donate to Project Linus, which provides handmade blankets to children in hospitals and other children in need. Learn more about Project Linus and check out their free patterns for knit, crochet, and sewn blankets!
For more information about Long Lines, Craft Circle, or donating cotton fabric, finished pillowcases, or finished blankets, email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org.
Planning ahead for the end of life can help ensure that our wishes are known and our loved ones aren’t left making difficult decisions during a time of grief. But for people whose religious, spiritual, or secular identities don’t fit traditional funeral practices, finding options that reflect their values can present additional challenges.
Join Tee Rogers for Preplanning for Heathens, a discussion about making our end-of-life wishes known, documenting our plans, finding affirming deathcare providers, and exploring traditional, natural, and emerging options.
The event is being held in honor of Todd, who died in 2025. His loved ones experienced challenges that might have been eased through advance planning. This discussion grew from a promise to create a space where people from underrepresented communities could think ahead about how they want to be honored, remembered, and cared for.
Wednesday, October 14 | 6–7:30 PM First Unitarian Church of Orlando
This free event is open to all. Come learn, ask questions, and begin thinking about what you want your own final arrangements to look like.
Our “Long Lines” sewing students are making pillowcases and small quilts that can be donated to children’s hospital charities such as Ryan’s Case for Smiles and Project Linus.
We’re always happy to receive cheerful, kid-friendly 100% cotton prints for projects suitable for kids and teens. Not glitter fabrics, please. The glitter can rub off and get in patient injuries. Thanks to Linda and Lynn for the most recent donations!
Fabric donations can be dropped off:
Saturday, October 3, 11 AM–1 PM during the Long Lines sewing class
Tuesdays and Sundays in the donation bucket at the Alliance Thrift Store
In the church front office during office hours with a note it is for sewing class
Are you a crafter? You can also donate completed projects! You can sew a pillowcase at home for Ryan’s Case for Smiles. Project Linus provides blanket patterns, and accepts handmade blankets in a variety of styles, including knit and crochet blankets.
Background image from painted Wheel of the Year from Museum of Witchcraft, Bocastle, via Wikipedia
Folks occasionally ask us why we utilize the Wheel of the Year. “How,” folks sometimes wonder, “can you be a pan-Pagan group if you are focusing on a ritual calendar that only applies to some Pagans?”
The short answer is that we observe a schedule around The Wheel of the Year for two reasons. One is rooted in our history as a group; the other is grounded in logistics & practicality.
When Mystic Grove was founded some 30 odd years ago, most of our founders & indeed the majority of the Pagan community at large, observed The Wheel of The Year. Setting what we call our Solar Worship calendar to The Wheel is a part of our group’s unique history & culture. On a very practical note, having an established sort of worship calendar spaced relatively evenly throughout the year means that it is much easier to schedule our classes, meetings, & worship events in the context of a very busy Congregational Campus!
The longer answer is that it has never stopped us from being welcoming & inclusive.
As a UU Pagan group we welcome members of & seek to both honor many Pagan faiths as well as our Unitarian Universalism. Pagan traditions that draw inspiration & practice from ancient faiths & cultures. Heck some of the cultures that the Wheel calendar draws inspiration from are, in fact, STILL around & still enriching the world with their influences! Other contemporary Pagan paths, or their ancient forebears observed sacred calendars & rites that looked very different from the contemporary Wheel of The Year. At the same time, one thing that all those faiths, these ancestral & living cultures have in common is that Hospitality & peaceful prosperous Community were (& are) deeply held values, whether they are explicitly uplifted in “the lore” or not. Hospitality & Community can be seen as core human values from the most ancient of times down to the present day.
As Unitarian Universalists our values, as well as the sources & principles that are a part of our culture & history, call us to seek to build what Dr. King called The Beloved Community. It is a vision of a society where all people can live in peace, justice, and love, transcending divisions and fostering understanding among individuals.
We talk with, we listen to, one another. We understand that none of us has The One True Polytheism, Animism, Unitarian Universalism, or Way. We acknowledge one another’s many sources of inspiration & tradition. We work together to move from concerns or difficulties to seek solutions & resolutions. Over the years we have found a few different ones. Mystic Grove works together as a community to find ways in which we can welcome & honor the many talents, interests, faiths, & practices that our members bring to the table.
One beloved tradition in the Mystic Grove calendar over the years has been our Wep Ronpet observances that have been held on or around August 1st for many years, hosted by a long-time Mystic Grove member who is also a Khemetic Polytheist.
Our Samhain observances have over the years have often blended with the Church’s Halloween Party, which can be a delightful & festive time for everyone.
Mystic Grove CUUPs flagship event is our Winter Solstice service which we share with our 1U (First Unitarian Church Orlando) community every year. It was the first event we shared with our larger communities over 30 years ago! For many years as a part of our observances after the Service was over (or on the night of the Winter Solstice when scheduling issues arise between the Congregational & Astronomical Calendars) we would hold a small “bonfire” vigil overnight. We have many cherished memories of Sumbel offered around the portable fire pit that served as our bonfire by some of our Heathen members from years past.
The Wheel of the Year is a starting point for our commitment to our shared communities spiritual growth & life-long learning, not an unshakable or inflexible point of doctrine.
We hope this settles any concerns? If not, reach out to us in any of the usual ways!
As summer gives way to autumn, the Wheel of the Year brings us to Mabon, the Fall Equinox—a time when day and night are in balance and we pause to recognize the abundance that surrounds us.
Join Mystic Grove CUUPS for our Mabon Solar Worship as we gather around the theme of Abundance. Together, we’ll reflect on what has nourished us, celebrate the gifts of the season, and consider how abundance can be something we share rather than something we keep for ourselves.
As part of our celebration, we’ll also hold a food drive. If you are able, please bring a canned or boxed food item to donate to those in our community who are experiencing food insecurity.
Mabon Solar Worship Saturday, September 26, 2026 Gore Hall at First Unitarian Church of Orlando
Following the ritual, we’ll share a potluck meal together. Please label your dish with its ingredients to help guests with food allergies.
Mystic Grove CUUPS’ seasonal solar rituals honor the Wheel of the Year and are open to all. Families are welcome, though childcare is not provided.
A $5–$10 donation is welcome to help replenish worship and potluck supplies, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
Come mark the turning of the season, celebrate what sustains us, and share in the abundance of community. Email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for more info.
Have you ever wanted to learn to sew, but weren’t sure where to begin? Or perhaps you have a sewing machine sitting at home that you’d love to use—or finally learn how to take care of?
Join us for Craft Circle: Sewing Orientation on Saturday, August 15 at 11:00 AM in Gore Hall at First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
This orientation is designed so you can choose what would be most helpful to you. There are three ways to participate:
1. Learn & Explore — No Machine Needed
Thinking about buying your first sewing machine? Come learn what features really matter when choosing a beginner machine.
You can also try sewing on paper with no thread to get comfortable with the basic movements and controls of a sewing machine. It’s a great, low-pressure way to start learning.
2. Clean & Care — Bring Your Sewing Machine
Already have a machine? Bring it along and learn some basic sewing-machine care, including cleaning and identifying the proper oil points.
Please bring your sewing machine manual. Different machines have different maintenance requirements, and the manual will help us find the correct places to oil your particular machine. We’ll also talk about using sewing-machine oil and a cleaning brush/wand properly.
3. Open Sewing — Bring Your Project
Already know your way around a sewing machine? Bring a current project and enjoy some open sewing time with the Craft Circle.
Work on your project, ask questions, get ideas, or simply enjoy sewing with others. Sometimes the best part of sewing is having good company!
Whether you’re curious about sewing, learning the basics, caring for an old machine, or simply looking for some sewing time, there’s a place for you.
Bring a friend, your curiosity, and your creativity. Let’s learn the basics—then make some magic!
Saturday, August 15 • 11:00 AM Gore Hall • First Unitarian Church of Orlando 1901 E. Robinson St. Orlando, FL 32803
Mystic Grove CUUPs is sewing for charity this fall!
This introductory class is designed for students who have never sewn before, as well as beginners who want to strengthen their straight-line and long-seam sewing skills. Students will build confidence by creating stitch samplers, a pillowcase, and a lap quilt using patterns from Winky Cherry’s My First Quilt.
Students are welcome to keep the projects they make or donate them to children’s charities such as Ryan’s Case for Smiles and Project Linus.
Although the class is designed as a series, drop-in students are welcome! Bring your sewing machine or simply join us at the cutting table with a good pair of fabric scissors. If you plan to drop in, please email the instructors so we can prepare materials for you.
Experienced sewists are also warmly invited to volunteer as classroom helpers.
Dates
Aug 15 (optional) Buying a New Sewing Machine / Cleaning Your Sewing Machine
Sept 5 – Paper Sewing and Stitch Sampler
Oct 3 Finish Sampler, Start Pillowcase
Oct 17 (optional) Three Seam Cloak
Nov 7 Finish Pillow case, Start Quilt
Dec 5 Finish Quilt
Registration and Cost
Sliding Scale Tuition: $60–$90 for the complete series.
Students may also add an optional $5–$10 scholarship donation to help future participants. All class proceeds benefit the RE Playground Fundraiser.
Scholarships Available: One full scholarship and two half scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fabric Donations
Would you like to help even if you don’t sew?
We are collecting 100% cotton quilting fabric in the donation box located at the Alliance Thrift Shop.
Easy places to find suitable fabric include Walmart (look for Waverly 1–4 yard cuts in the crafts aisle) and Michaels. The charities ask that donated fabrics not contain glitter, as glitter can rub off on patients.
Children especially enjoy bright, cheerful prints that help make a hospital stay a little less scary and a little more comforting.
Questions?
Please email mysticgrove@orlandouu.org for registration, scholarship information, volunteering, or questions about fabric donations.
Our church is home to Mystic Grove CUUPS, a local chapter of the Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans. This fall, Mystic Grove CUUPS celebrates 25 years of building community, exploring Earth-centered spirituality, and creating opportunities for connection, learning, and celebration.
As CUUPS chapters around the country honor 40 years of the wider national organization, we invite you to read this article from The Wild Hunt reflecting on CUUPS’ history and its ongoing role in the Unitarian Universalist movement.
All are welcome to participate in Mystic Grove CUUPS activities and gatherings as we continue this journey together.
The Spring Equinox is a moment to pause and notice the changes happening around us—the longer days, the warmth returning to the soil, and the small signs of life pushing up through the earth. By gathering together to share food and reflection, we celebrate not only the season but also the community that grows alongside it.
Join Mystic Grove CUUPs as we celebrate on March 21, 2026. Meet and Greet at 5:30 PM, Ritual at 6 PM, and potluck to follow at 7 PM in Gore Hall at First Unitarian Church of Orlando.
Our ritual theme this year is “Bunnies and Balance.” If you’ve never attended an Ostara celebration before, you’re warmly welcome. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and a spirit of community! While we do not provide childcare, families are welcome.
On the spring equinox, day and night stand in perfect balance, reminding us of the harmony between light and dark, rest and growth, endings and beginnings. From this moment forward, the days grow longer and the energy of the earth shifts toward renewal, fertility, and life returning to the land.
In many earth-honoring traditions, Ostara celebrates the awakening of nature after the quiet months of winter. Buds appear on trees, animals become active again, and seeds begin their journey toward growth. Symbols often associated with this season include eggs, seeds, flowers, fresh greens, and honey—all reminders of the new life stirring all around us.
While Ostara has roots in pagan and nature-centered traditions, the themes of renewal, hope, and balance are universal. Our gathering welcomes both longtime practitioners and those who are simply curious about seasonal celebrations and connecting with nature’s rhythms.
Spring Potluck Feast
Food is a joyful way to celebrate the return of spring, and Ostara tables often feature seasonal ingredients that symbolize renewal and abundance. Typical Ostara foods include:
Charcuterie (pronounced shar-KOO-tuh-ree) is a French culinary term that traditionally refers to prepared or preserved meats. Today, the word often describes a “grazing” board—an abundant spread that goes well beyond meat alone.
Thank you to the nine participants who joined our January 17, 2026 Craft Circle for a potluck charcuterie gathering! We divided into two groups and got creative, designing a snowman board and a log cabin board in the center of our cookie sheets. Around the edges, we added everyone’s potluck contributions, transforming them into two beautiful grazing boards.
Our spreads included regular and gluten-free crackers, jams, soft and hard cheeses, a variety of meats, grapes, figs, carrots, mints, chocolates, and hazelnuts. As we snacked, we enjoyed relaxed conversation about low-stress New Year’s resolutions and explored food-themed prompts—comfort foods, sweet vs. savory preferences, celebration foods, favorite snacks, and dishes that remind us of home.
In our final hour together, we brainstormed ideas for future Craft Circles and created one last snack board to donate to Sunday coffee hour.
Join us for the next Craft Circle on February 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM. Topic to be announced.
