Margaret Jankowski 
My name is Margaret Jankowski and I created the Sewing Machine Project early in 2005. I live in Madison, Wisconsin with my family.
Sewing has always been a part of my life. My mother taught me machine sewing on her Singer Featherweight when I was quite young and I tried all sorts of projects growing up. I formed a children’s clothing company, Days of Wonder, in the early ’90’s in Milwaukee, WI, designing and producing unique clothing for area boutiques. I freelanced for many years for Pleasant Company in their design department, helping develop patterns and styles for American Girl dolls and for girls as well. At more of a production level, I’ve worked in outerwear manufacturing for a local business, producing sample garments for design houses and department stores in New York. Today I’d consider myself primarily a garment sewer and fiber artist.
The Sewing Machine Project gives me the opportunity to use a broader range of skills to the same end–helping people rebuild their lives and their communities.
Meet our Board of Directors
Bob Heideman (Advisory board member) - Bob is a retired executive and educator who took an interest in The Sewing Machine Project from the outset. He has been a generous donor financially but even more than that he has shown me an unwavering belief in this project and has broadened my network. He has truly been an inspiration to me.
Carroll Heideman (Advisory Board Member) - Carroll and Bob for an incredible partnership, caring for each other and for others. Carroll has been an amazing sounding board, especially in the editing department as we picked through the intricacies of the 501c3 application and the Incorporation papers.
Bob Miller - Bob is a media man and a very dear friend. He currently runs Discover Mediaworks here in Madison. Bob seems to know everybody and has believed in this project and in me from the beginning. He’s currently working to help me deliver a media kit into the hands of the Oprah execs. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Michelle Rutta - Michelle conceived of Your Heart’s Content over 17 years ago. They create unique, beautiful home decorating products and market them all over the country. Michelle brings business savvy and a genuine interest in the project and I’m thrilled that she’s joined our Board.
Jacqui Sakowski - Jacqui is our newest Board member and runs Sakowski Consulting. She has been incredibly enthusiastic and has shared not only her expertise but her networking capabilities with me.
Mary Lang Sollinger - Mary is involved in so many things in the Madison area and beyond! She conceived of The Peacock, an amazing shop in our State Street area, many years ago. Today she sits on many boards, works on Obama’s campaign, and helps so many people (like me!) when she feels she’s needed.
Katie Stout - Katie is retired but you’d hardly know it. She’s always busy, teaching, traveling, sewing, and being a “knitting yoda” for me and countless others. Katie has always been there when I’ve been under the gun to clean machines and get them on the truck. In her working years, she taught school, was a principal and worked for WEAC as well. She presides over our Board meetings as president.