For several years, Pastor Darlyne (Dar) Rath of Faith Lutheran Church in Port Elgin has used her creative skill on the sewing machine to create a wide variety of items from surgical caps to tote bags and cosmetic bags.
Often seen at area outdoor markets and bazaars, she sells her exquisitely handcrafted tote bags and cosmetic bags for one reason … to fund materials for quilts for Hospices and local Women’s Shelters.
Over the past 10 years, she has created more than 800 tote bags and 400 small cosmetic bags. While many have been sold to support her quilt making, many others have been donated or given away.
This summer however, is one of the last opportunities to purchase these beautiful handcrafted bags at the Port Elgin Farmers’ Market and the Marine Heritage Artisans Friday market in Southampton. Many of the bags are created from exquisite Ojibway patterns on fabric, created by artists such as Jackie Traverse of Manitoba.
As of the end of 2025, she will no longer be making the bags. “The last chance to purchase will be in December at a Christmas bazaar. Then in 2026, I will just focus on making quilts … so I can make more, as there is another new hospice that will open in Walkerton.”
“Whether it’s to buy a personal keepsake or a one-of-a-kind gift,” says Pastor Dar, “I am just happy when people stop by to pass the time and say hello at the summer markets.”
