Category Archives: General
Retired Kraft Employees Volunteer for the SMP
Not long ago I spoke at a local Rotary Club meeting. I always end my presentations discussing ways that people can get involved with The Sewing Machine Project.One of the Rotarians approached me after the meeting and said he had a great team of volunteers-retired Oscar Meyer/Kraft employees.
So yesterday this wonderful group met me at our workspace, ready to work. They braved the cold of the long-quiet building and worked so hard! We got so much done!
I had a whole bunch of donated machines that were waiting to be checked and we sewed all afternoon. We got all of the machines checked and sorted and cleaned! What a feat!
The talk and laughter, the smiles and kind words…what a gift! I can’t wait to work with this helpful group again.
Many thanks!
New Orleans March 2011
I am writing this post from the back porch of a house in New Orleans. This trip came together quickly…so many connections lingering, machines to deliver…it was suddenly clear to me about a month ago that the time to visit was now…so I made plans to spend this week in New Orleans.
It’s hard to describe how these messages become so clear but it was as clear as day that this trip was necessary and when the message is so strong I know I need to pay attention. Interestingly, the trip has unfolded in such a beautiful way that I couldn’t have planned it this well myself. I have met people who will no doubt impact the direction of The Sewing Machine Project. I have spent time deep within the culture of the Mardi Gras Indians, and witnessing one of their biggest events of the year–Super Sunday. I have talked with an amazing group of women in Houma running a new grassroots effort called Loss Talk which promotes conversation among community members following a significant loss…building stronger bonds and ultimately, stronger communities. The list goes on.
Last night I was talking with a theologian friend of mine and I remarked “sometimes I just need to get out of my own way”…meaning that letting go and trusting works in mysterious and incredible ways. I have done that on this trip and doors have opened, and opened and opened.
I am honored and humbled to do this work.
SeaHope and Sewing With Nancy
Nancy Zieman has been so generous with her time and attention surrounding The Sewing Machine Project. Recently, while I was in Las Vegas, I had the chance to spend some time with Nancy and catch up. She suggested that we tape a Nancy’s Corner segment about the SeaHope partners project. Just a few weeks later there we were in the studio! The show will be available to PBS in the fall and probably will be circulating on Wisconsin stations towards the end of the year…then it’ll be around for 2 years!
I’ll write more details when I have them…
New Orleans City Council
The New Orleans City Council issued a proclamation today recognizing the work of The Sewing Machine Project. Cherice Harrison-Nelson went with me to the meeting to receive the award.
I love this city. I love these people. I ache for the hardships they’ve endured. I admire how New Orleans continues on through everything as a jewel in every sense of the word.
I am honored by this award.
The story continues…
I received a machine and a generous financial donation today with this note…
I am honored and humbled by any and all donations that we receive but some really strike me as they tell such a story. I love to imagine the story of a machine…the generations of people who use it, the projects it helps to create… And I think it does us good to know that our dearly loved machines carry on, almost with lives of their own, and develop their own histories.
Thank you to everyone who helps to make this project a success. There are thousands of you…and our story continues.
What the world needs now…
I was with a group of women one night last week and the conversation went to a very odd place. One of the women began talking about her distrust of other cultures, of a general feeling of…for lack of a better word…fear. And it wasn’t pretty. As I listened I felt my stomach begin to tie up into a knot and my mind began spinning, trying to come up with a gentle way of combating this mindset. When I did speak, I framed my response within the context of The Sewing Machine Project.
I framed it like this…
We live in a world where, despite the abundance of communication methods, many people seem to feel more and more isolated. Perhaps this points to one of the reasons why people connect with The Sewing Machine Project. This effort gives people an opportunity to help others, whether by donating machines, donating money or donating time and this help is direct. We are a very simple organization, taking tools that people no longer need and placing them into the hands of those who need them and to whom these simple tools can make a world of difference. It’s a connection point, a way for us to touch lives and make a difference.
Now I realize that there are many reasons that someone may find a resonance within The Sewing Machine Project but I can only hope that this simple, grassroots effort can be a force for love and peace and understanding.
What the world needs now is love.
Sewing With Nancy
The Sewing Machine Project was featured on the Nancy’s Corner segment of Sewing With Nancy in 2010. Better late than never, here’s that clip!
Takes my breath away!
The Sewing Machine Project post office box is such a source of good things! I get so excited whenever I open it to find a personally addressed envelope inside…something other than bank statements and government documents. Sometimes there are little notes giving props for the work we do. Sometimes there are envelopes with donations enclosed. Quite often, donations are given by people I’ve never met and it’s hard to describe how touching that is.
Today I opened the PO Box and there, inside was an envelope with this letter attached. Not only did the letter melt my heart (which isn’t easy in this freezing cold winter!) but there was also a generous donation enclosed. What a beautiful way for this donor to honor the members of her Birthday Group!
Woman’s World Magazine
Be sure to check out the article about The Sewing Machine Project in this week’s Woman’s World magazine!
Enchanted Makeovers Collaboration
Recently, I learned of an amazing effort called Enchanted Makeovers. Their purpose is to bring hope and vision into the lives of women living in homeless and battered womens shelters. Sometimes they makeover the entire shelter, and other times they host events which raise awareness within the shelter community and throughout the nation. I was honored to attend one such event this past weekend, in Jersey City, NJ. We were working at Kenmare High School, which is a school for women who, for any number of reasons, haven’t been able to finish their high school degree. Kenmare is attached to St. Joseph’s Women’s Shelter.
The event was amazing. 30 young women participated, and were treated to a weekend of learning and some wonderful pampering. Together we learned about the value of journaling, and learned some basic yoga poses to aid in stress reduction. On Sunday, a team of talented makeup artists, hair stylists, and manicurists came in and worked with each of the young ladies. When their makeovers were complete they were outfitted in new clothes and taken to dinner.
All services, all food, everything was donated and the event was beautiful. A team of talented artists, the Cre8tive Sisters, came in and created a mural in the High School common room. The mural depicted the yellow brick road and each of the girls was invited to add an inspirational word or phrase to the mural.
The entire weekend was magic. I took a sewing machine and sewing kit to give as a prize to one of the attendees and Agnes, the young woman who won the machine, was so completely happy.
And I am happy. I feel blessed beyond belief to have the opportunity to meet these beautiful young women. I feel honored to work as a part of this team. I feel inspired as we move forward, planning how we’ll inset sewing areas into each of the shelters that Enchanted Makeovers touches. This is an inspired collaboration.
