Head on over to a community sewing event to make cozy pet blankets for the Des Moines Animal Rescue League. Better yet, take a child or two with you (ages 4 and up) to help out. This event will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity United Methodist Church, 102 Lynwood Drive, Huxley.

The Central Iowa Sewing Guild is sponsoring the event, designed to make rescue animals more comfortable, and secondarily, to expose children to sewing, a life skill. Participants are encouraged to bring sewing machines, rotary cutting mats and cutters, plus large scraps of washable, durable fabric, including fleece and felted wool. Go to www.centraliowaasg.org for more information.

The American Sewing Guild (ASG) is a national organization that promotes sewing as a creative art and life skill. It welcomes sewists of all skill levels and backgrounds. Members meet to learn new techniques, network with others who share a passion for fashion and sewing, and participate in community service projects.