Margaret and Michelle keep the market bags coming

We’ve been offered the chance to do a fundraiser at Covance, a drug testing company here in Madison. Hmmmm, what to do for a fundraiser?? Sell handmade goods, of course! My dream would be to sell goods made by those who receive our machines….the fair trade sale…and someday, that’s going to happen. But this fundraiser is next month–yikes! So we need to get sewing. I sent out a notice to our volunteer email list and got a great response.

This past Saturday, 18 people came to the church and we began to sew. We worked on 3 different bag designs:

A little zip pouch:

A Dopp kit:

And a Market Bag:

We have so much beautiful fabric, left to us by a wonderful sewer who left this world too soon. We hope she was smiling as sewers met each other and worked side by side to create these products.

Bird’s smile alone makes me smile.

I love these volunteer days. People who’ve never met are instant friends and talking and laughter fills the room. I was thrilled to see Michelle Bartels and her two friends arrive all the way from Iowa. Even Michelle’s husband, Louie helped out, smiling as he assisted with the set up and take down.

Katie and Dellavie figure out the machines.

These days are like magic to me. I looked around the room several times and got all teary, just seeing and feeling the community. These days are about a lot more than sewing and getting things done. They’re about building community and I realize more and more that that is a big part of what we’re about…not only in the machines we distribute but also in the opportunities we present to grow and learn with one another.

If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, just send me a quick email through this website and I’ll add you to the list. Our volunteer opportunities are a “no pressure” deal. If you can’t make it we understand. But to make it is special…you’ll see.

Eileen, Marion and Debbie keep the bags coming

Diann and Liz keep the market bags coming

Becky gets our beautiful SMP labels on just right

Deb subtly suggests that maybe her ironing board is too high