Jean Gorden

Jean Gorden learned how to crochet from her husband. For her, it

was an everlasting gift that became the string throughout her life.

For him, his hands lost interest before completing even a single

piece, but his scientific mind was intrigued.

“It was fascinating. You take that one little string and look at

what you’ve got,” Marvin Gorden said.

In the 54 years they’ve been married, Jean Gorden has used string

to crochet sweaters for her children, Barbie outfits for her

grandchildren, doilies as wedding gifts and warm donations for her

church. But when she was looking in the newspaper one day, she found

an ideal outlet for her handmade treasures.

For the past year, she has been contributing items by mail to

Stitches from the Heart, an L.A.-based nonprofit organization. Jean

Gorden, along with more than 3,000 volunteers, knits, crochets or

quilts tiny booties, blankets, hats or sweaters for needy babies and

children across the country. Patterns are sent to the volunteers, who

mail back the final product.

Many instructions are designed for premature babies, too little

for the smallest of baby clothes. All of the finished gifts keep the

babies warm while reminding the mothers that someone cares.

Gorden never sees the babies she crochets for, but several times a

year, local Stitches from the Heart volunteers gather to share their

passion for yarn and hear success stories of the differences they

have made.

She crochets at least three hours a day and takes her needles with

her everywhere. It is a relaxing way to pass time on a long drive or

while listening to the television. “I have a lot of thread and I like

to use it to help someone out,” she said.

Gorden has been a Costa Mesa resident for more than 29 years and

has been retired for the past 12. She enjoys square-dancing with her

husband and is active in her church. Her four children live within 50

miles, and her nine grandkids keep her occupied.

But her heart is big enough for all children, and her hands are

busier now than when she was working.

“My husband always says we need to go back to work so we can rest

and have more time,” she said.

-- Story and photo by

Coral Wilson