We believe that everyone has the power to make the world
a better place.
So we share sewing machines–
creating partnerships, strengthening community, and
nurturing the creative spirit.
We offer the tools and skills necessary to enhance lives through sewing
- Regionally, we offer sewing classes and machines to those whose lives may be enhanced by this new tool offering them a creative means to move forward.
- Nationally, we have worked extensively in the Gulf Coast beginning with groups affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. More recently, we have touched many lives nationally, shipping more than 1200 machines to folks across the country over the past 10 years.
- Internationally, we’ve sent machines and supplies to women’s cooperatives and other groups in Mexico, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, India, El Salvador, Guatemala and Liberia helping people in those areas to start small collectives and improve their lives through the art of sewing.
Machines Donated Since 2005
Dollars Raised In 2018
What’s been happening lately?
20–Pretty pretty
When I met Cherice Harrison Nelson for the first time I didn't realize I was meeting a legend. Tall and regal, known as Queen Reesie to many, Cherice carries herself like a queen. Hovering in a cloud of chicory and milk foam, we met at CC's Coffee on Magazine Street...
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20
"Mom, do you know where you're going?" my 14 year old daughter asked incredulously. It was March, 2006 and Maddie peered at the map as we threaded through the Arkansas hills. The clunk, rattle, clunk of the rented Enterprise van had become familiar. I no longer...
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Women’s Day
Though The Sewing Machine Project has no gender specific policy, most of the machines we distribute go to women. Since the beginning, groups begun by and working with women find a connection with the work we do. We hear the stories. Stories of great need, of women...
read moreThe Sewing Machine Project’s Mission is to offer sewing tools and education to groups committed to learning new skills, building self-confidence and potentially contributing to their own livelihood as well as the well-being of their families and communities.
Donate Machines
If you have a sewing machine or serger that you no longer need, please consider donating it to The Sewing Machine Project. Please make sure your machine is portable and in good working order.
Donate Time
Volunteers are the backbone of The Sewing Machine Project. Our family of volunteers lend their hands not only in preparing machines for shipment and helping to keep us organized but also with education, editing, consulting, and documenting. We’d love it if you would consider lending your expertise to our team!
Donate Money
Money donated to the Sewing Machine Project goes to supporting the organizing, preparation, and shipping of machines along with supporting our local classes and national curriculum. Every bit counts. You can even make a donation in honor of a sewer you love through our Forget Me Not program.