Category Archives: General
Local links to Bhutan
About 8 months ago I read about Bhutanese families relocating to the Madison area. These are people who have endured so much, have been uprooted from their homes and have been on the move for years now. After spending time in refugee camps they have found their way to the United States with the help of organizations like Lutheran Social Services. There are pockets of Bhutanese in several areas of the US. When I became aware of their presence in the Madison area I couldn’t help wondering if The Sewing Machine Project could help in some way.
Imagine, living in a rural farming, subtropical culture…being forced out and fleeing to neighboring Nepal and not really having a home and then, finally, arriving in Madison, Wisconsin, only to encounter a whole new set of challenges. Imagine navigating the bus system, enrolling your child in school, going to Woodmans??!
To my mind, offering the tools and the ability to sew seemed like a peaceful way to help make a corner of their transition a little sweeter. So we began. We’ve been talking about this for months but finally, just this week, it came to fruition. The members of the community (about 130 so far) were excited about the idea of learning to sew.
We’ve begun with a group of 10 people and they are learning to use the sewing machines and after completing the little series of classes, will take their machine home. Men and women alike, some hope to sew for their families while others hope to maybe earn an income through sewing. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
I asked Steffani Lincecum, a board member, to head up this initiative and she grabbed the opportunity. Steff’s combination of sensitivity, creativity, organization and gentleness was perfect for the task. On Wednesday Steff and I, along with Lois, Trish, and Bird (also on the board) met with our first group. We weren’t sure if anyone had used a machine or if we’d be able to communicate, given the language barrier (people from this area of Bhutan speak Nepali). Chaotic? yes! Busy? yes! Beautiful? most definitely! Everyone’s off to a good start, all at different level. Communication is tricky but the language of friendship and kindness is present and we’re all doing our best.
We’ll keep you posted..
You’re right there…
This year has been an interesting one for The Sewing Machine Project. It’s been different. Honestly, since it’s inception, The Sewing Machine Project has fallen into place so naturally, it often takes my breath away. The right people, the right connections…they’ve always been there when I’ve needed them. Sometimes I feel like I need to just get out of it’s way and let it unfold as beautifully as it does!
This past year has been different, or so I thought. It’s felt like the “big stories” haven’t been there–no big shipments overseas, no huge revelations… Where there’s always been such a “flow”, it almost felt as though something was dammed up. But digging a little deeper I begin to wonder if the flow is indeed there and it’s my perspective that’s dammed up?
Sitting at the last few monthly board meetings I’ve been completely blown away by the talent and enthusiasm that’s right there. The Sewing Machine Project has always had a “rock star” board of directors…amazing talent and encouragement…people who believe so strongly in this mission… But in this unusual year this board has taken on a new and even deeper role. This talented group is digging into the deeper questions, the very foundation of the SMP and each and every one of us is working to strengthen this foundation to prepare us for new and bigger tasks. We all feel them coming and we’re using this time to make sure we’re strong from every angle and strong together as a team. I am in awe when I look at the skills and gifts present at the table each month!
Beyond the board, I read and reread the messages I receive from donors, friends, volunteers…hundreds of people who support and encourage the work we do. Every word matters, every word counts and helps to build what the Sewing Machine Project is and what we are able to do.
Sometimes I think we’re so busy looking for the really huge, mind-blowing messages that we overlook the beautiful gifts we receive every day. Without this encouragement, these skills, this energy, these gifts…we simply would not BE. It’s right in front of us. It’s right there.
Letting the answers come
I am struck so often, recently, by the need for connection here in the United States. Despite the fact that we have more ways than ever before to connect with one another we seem to be more disconnected. On a large scale, this country could not be more divided. It seems to me that we need to continually find ways to connect, to help one another, to look outside of ourselves.
The Sewing Machine Project is about mending and although we are focused on sewing I think we can take our mission of “mending lives and communities” to more levels than that. We are considering a new initiative which would mend on many levels. As with most initiatives in this project, it is beginning as a whisper but that whisper is growing louder everyday. It’s time to let the answers come. I look forward to sharing more details with you as they emerge. I look forward to your assistance and your input.
But for now, consider how you might mend something today. You may wish to take this literally and mend a piece of clothing instead of throwing it away. You may wish to mend a misunderstanding with a friend. You may wish to treat yourself gently and mend your soul. It’s all important.
Thank you for helping The Sewing Machine Project in all that we do. You are so important.
Quilt Expo 2011
This past weekend was Quilt Expo, here in Madison, Wisconsin. What a busy time that is! It’s so much fun to see familiar faces and meet many new friends. So many people stopped by our booth to chat, learn more, make a donation. We took in 8 machines, a little fabric and $191 in donation funding.
The serendipitous nature of this project is such a beautiful thing. Lately I’ve been pondering a new idea…something that we can use and replicate around the United States. It would be a way of using our sewing and connecting people…what a lovely combination! I don’t want to get into too many details right now but don’t worry, as it develops, I’ll fill you in. Here’s the serendipitous part…as I said, I’ve been thinking about how we might do this/use this/”spread the love”, so to speak. There are niches I haven’t fleshed out and questions that are unanswered…
I’d left the booth for a moment and walking back, I noticed a woman slowly heading towards the booth. I’d noticed her before…she was wearing a fabulous Ikat jacket and had passed the booth a few times earlier in the day…but before I’d even reached the booth she’d arrived and taken a seat. I said hello and sat down beside her.
She asked a few questions about machine donations but then began talking about the volunteer work she does…and one by one, she provided the answers I’d been searching for. Quietly, concisely, she fleshed out some of the gray areas in my plan.
And then she stood up, said good bye, and walked away.
I love how these things work.
ASG Conference-Los Angeles
I was so honored to be asked to speak at the annual ASG conference in LA. I’ve been preparing for a good month at least and yesterday was the big day. I was nervous, to say the least, but so happy and ready to share the story of the Sewing Machine Project with such a great audience of sewists.
Technical difficulties arose and to say things didn’t quite go smoothly would be an understatement. I did my best but it was not my best presentation…
An important part of each presentation, to me, is relating how this project has changed me personally and the biggest way that’s happened is that I’ve learned to view events as lessons and each person I meet as a teacher. I really needed to take my own words to heart yesterday in the wake of my discombobulated speech. So what did I learn?
I was reminded of how deeply people hear and connect with this project;
I learned that you can never be too picky when it comes to checking and rechecking your AV info when it comes to public presentations;
I was reminded that people I love are always right there waiting to catch me when I feel like I might fall;
I was reminded that an outcome might show up in a surprising way;
I was reminded that new friends are always on the horizon and there are always ways we might help one another.
Thank you to all of you ASG members who smiled through my frustration and thank you to all of those near and dear to me who added words of encouragement. Thank you to Sandra Betzina who kindly suggested we have a beer and think of ways to support one another. Thank you to the powers that be within ASG who invited me to speak and see the vision of The Sewing Machine project.
I am grateful to those who remind me that we cannot be attached to an expected outcome but rather, willing and open to receive all of the goodness that comes our way.
Heading to LA
I am honored and humbled to have been asked to be the keynote speaker for ASG’s national conference in LA this week. I fly out tomorrow. My speech has been done for a few weeks but each day I tweak it. I can’t think of a more receptive audience than a roomful of community minded sewists!
My biggest task has been to build a structure in my mind for how ASG chapters can collaborate with The Sewing Machine Project. I’ve “put it out there” on blog sites and the feeling I get back is that people would most like to volunteer as teachers. So I’m going with that. Little by little, the pieces of this new nationwide initiative are falling into place. I’m looking forward to sharing what I know so far with the audience on Friday. Then, from there, I look forward to conversations, brainstorming and filling in the missing pieces.
I love how this project works. We begin tossing around an idea and then the flow begins. We’re in the flow now and I can’t wait to share this excitement in Los Angeles.
New Orleans July 2011
I am just finishing another trip to New Orleans….delivering machines and meeting new friends. A few different groups benefited from our machines this time. The Mardi Gras Indian community is near and dear to us and these machines will help with children’s programs, working on Mardi Gras Indian suits and one special machine went to a young woman who is making things to sell…her dream is to pay for her passage back to Africa and to become a midwife. Noble causes.
Some machines went to Gulf Coast residents who are trying to make ends meet in the aftermath of the oil spill. One woman makes quilts and donates them to local shelters and group homes. While visiting Houma, where our Gulf work is based, I visited with Pam Trowbridge of LossTalk and gave her a check for $1200–the proceeds from the sale of the SeaHope bags. These funds will help her start new programs which help Gulf residents cope with the significant losses they’ve experienced due to the oil spill.
One machine went to Pastor Janyce Statton who works with the Jesus Miracle Power Ministry…offering shelter to the homeless, and food for the hungry. Now they can work on furnishing some donated buildings that will be group housing and she’s also looking forward to mending and hemming some of the clothes that have been donated for kids in their programs.
I am honored and humbled when I meet these amazing people and learn of their good work.
American Sewing Guild National Conference
I am thrilled at having been chosen to be the Keynote Speaker for this year’s American Sewing Guild national conference. The conference will take place August 19-22 in Los Angeles, CA. What an honor!
Partnering with Enchanted Makeovers
Our collaboration with Enchanted Makeovers continues to develop! This year The Sewing Machine Project will be partnering with this wonderful group, bringing a sewing angle to their Detroit makeover. Alternatives for Girls, a Detroit shelter for homeless teens, is having a loving redo, thanks to Enchanted Makeovers. The Sewing Machine Project has been given a room in the shelter in which to create a warm, wonderful sewing area. We are in the process of gathering the things we need…machines, tables, notions, fabric… I am excited to visit the shelter soon and talk with the girls about what their dream sewing room might look like!
What we will need in the future is a network of instructors to teach basic sewing in the shelters where we work. This idea will be quite flexible as I plan to talk with shelter administration as well as residents and see just what they need in terms of classes and how often they’d like a teacher to visit. So, you sewers out there, please let me know if you might be interested in being a volunteer teacher if we do a shelter in your area. Our immediate need is in the Detroit area but beyond that, it is our hope to be working in other areas of the country. If you think this sounds possible for you, send me an email and let me know! (margaret@thesewingmachineproject.org)
Good things just keep happening!
Newsletter April 2011
Welcome, Spring! 
My goodness, this has felt like a long winter! Here in Wisconsin we’re finally seeing the little plants peeking up and crossing our fingers that the recent flurries were our last.
It sometimes seems as though the Sewing Machine Project is a beautiful plant that we’re being asked to tend. It has certainly taken on a life of its own, with many opportunities, many ways to improve the lives of others in such a creative way. I feel fortunate to be entrusted with guiding this incredible effort, along with an amazing team of Directors. Truly, though, every one of you has helped to tend this Project in some way, whether through donating sewing machines, donating money, or even whispering positive words to encourage new growth. Without you we simply would not be.
I am reminded of a poem that a friend shared with me not so long ago, written by the great Hafiz:
How did the rose
ever open its heart
and give to this world
all its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of Light
against its being,
Otherwise, we all
remain too frightened.
Thank you for all that you bring to The Sewing Machine Project–for your kindness, your generosity and your light.
Read on and happy Spring!
New Orleans, March 2011
SeaHope Partners
Our SeaHope bags have been met with enthusiasm! Not only are they available on our website but they are also now available at Spirals, here in Madison and also at Gestures, an art gallery in Rocky River, Ohio. We hope to also feature the bags in shops in New Orleans.
After careful consideration, we decided to lower the pricepoint a bit. The classic messenger bags are now $89 and the artist bags are $139.
We did have a few kinks to work out in the ecommerce sale process but all is well. If you or someone you know tried to buy a classic messenger bag online and were told we were out of stock please check back! We had a little computer glitch and we do have plenty of bags for sale!
There’ll be some new Artist Bags this spring…just received one from the women’s cooperative in Mexico–beautiful handstitched retablos on hand-dyed fabric–scrumptuous! Keep checking back to see these new unique designs.
A portion of the profits from the sale of these bags will be donated to organizations helping those affected by the oil spill. To date we have raised over $1000.
Enchanted Makeovers
Enchanted Makeovers is one of our newest partners. Based in Taylor, Michigan, Enchanted Makeovers transforms women’s shelters into “places of peace and possibility”. EM’s big project for 2011 will be a shelter in the Detroit area. The Sewing Machine Project will be working on insetting a sewing and creative area into the shelter. We just learned that our local representative for Arrow Sewing Cabinets will be donating 5 new sewing tables for the project! We can’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get started!
American Sewing Guild
I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to be the Keynote Speaker at this year’s American Sewing Guild annual conference in Los Angeles. It will be such a treat to tell everyone about The Sewing Machine Project. If you know of a community group or sewing guild that would be interested in having a presentation about The Sewing Machine Project, please contact me for more information: (margaret@thesewingmachineproject.org).
Margaret Jankowski-Founder and Executive Director
Lois Bergerson-Board of Directors
Susan Dineen-Board of Directors
Peter McKeever-Board of Directors
Andrea Plassman-Board of Directors
Katie Schultz Stout-Board of Directors
