The Sewing Machine Project is now working on a local, national and international level. We are proud and deeply honored to have impacted so many lives in so many regions.
Madison, WI
In Madison we are developing the Sewing Shares program, a lending library for The Sewing Machine Project. Sewing Shares will offer sets of machines to groups on a loan basis. Groups interested in offering job or life skills training are encouraged to apply. Additionally, groups that need the machines for short term use, perhaps for completing a community project, are also welcome to apply. (click here for the Sewing Shares application)
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sewing Machine Project has been a part of the New Orleans landscape ever since March, 2006, shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. We have delivered over 600 machines to the greater New Orleans area, to individuals, schools, and community organizations. Additionally, we have delivered several machines to the Mardi Gras Indians, helping them to keep their colorful history alive.
Gees Bend, Alabama
In October 2007 we delivered sewing machines and fabric to the quilters of Gees Bend, Alabama. We are honored to assist the quilters in the production of their beautiful art quilts.
Sri Lanka
In 2005 the Sewing Machine Project sent 25 sewing machines to orphanages in Sri Lanka, offering the children a tool to learn a trade and the caretakers a tool to make clothing for the children.
Mexico
We have donated machines to the ranchos La Joya and La Cruz del Palmar in San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato in the central highlands of Mexico. Up to 84 women work out of the cooperative, sewing goods to sell and support themselves.
Kosovo
In 2009 we delivered 19 machines to Skenderaj, Kosovo. 16 of these machines were donated by Bernina, International of Steckborn, Switzerland. The Antigona NGO of Skenderaj will use the machines for custom garment sewing as well as to train new sewers to add to their group. There are so many war widows in this region and we are pleased to be able to help them to become self-sustaining through sewing.
Haiti
The 7.0 earthquake that rocked Haiti in January 2010 further devastated this impoverished country. The Sewing Machine Project has partnered with Family Outreach International to send sewing machines, fabric, supplies and clothing to the people of Haiti. AllBrands of Baton Rouge, Louisiana donated 100 sewing machines towards this effort. Sewers joined forces to create clothing for children in Haiti’s orphanages. The soft, colorful, fun dolls were created to bring smiles to children’s faces. Our first shipment is on its way.
