Sewing Group for Rainbow Comfort Packs

The Multicultural Women's Sewing Group in Brunswick had a sewing bee last weekend and made 20 bags for Rainbow Comfort Packs. They are going to have ongoing handmade help sewing sessions. All are welcome. Details below (thanks Jennifer).

We are more than happy to keep working on bags in our regular sessions, and anyone (female) is welcome to join us - they wouldn't have to bring anything - just drop in, make a bag or two and have a cuppa. 12:30 - 3:00 on Wednesdays and 2:30 - 4:30 Saturdays.

We are located at the Brunswick Baptist Church Hall 491 Sydney rd, Brunswick (end of Blyth st).

In case you want to know a bit about the group, the Multicultural Women's Sewing Group originally started as the Somali women's sewing group about 13 years ago when some Somali refugee women said that sewing classes were a high priority for them. At the moment we have a diverse group of participants, ranging from a tailor from Nepal who had never used an electric machine, but who can sew like anything, to a Somali mother of 8 who takes 3 buses to get there. The group nearly fizzled out in 2007, but we're doing pretty well now (apart from financially - that's another story), and are ready to promote the group more through refugee and asylum seeker services. I guess we try and overcome obstacles like language and literacy barriers, parenting demands, lack of money, and inability to come regularly, and still provide teaching in sewing skills, and a welcoming space where everyone is important.

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Rainbow Comfort Packs - an update

So far I've counted 147 bags that have been made in the sewing bee or dropped in to me since then. Monica has about 60 so far. And they're still coming in..... wonderful stuff.

There are also BOXES of wonderful donations of things to keep kids busy. Monica picked up what she could fit in her car, and the rest are still in my.... ummm spare room (which is not mine at all... it just happens to be an unlocked room in my building!). They're currently being sorted into bags - in age and sex-appropriate groups. If anyone wants to give Monica a hand with this I'm sure she could use it.

There are also lots of other sewing bees cropping up. The leftover fabric stash from my sewing bee is off around the corner to the Baptist Hall is Brunswick for a sewing bee this Saturday. All are welcome. Details below -

Please come to a sewing bee this Saturday the 21st Feb for Bushfire Relief - Making cool bags for the Rainbow Comfort Packs project for the many children affected by the fires.

We'll get started at 1 pm, and pack up at 7 pm. Any help you can give in that time is welcome.We will be sewing up simple but groovy cloth bags that will later be filled with goodies for the kids. You could also make a toy as well.

We have 9 sewing machines and an overlocker available to use, but if anyone can bring their own that would be great. You might also bring snacks to share, friends, fabrics, notions and tools you think might be handy (make sure tools have your name on them). All help is appreciated; even if you can't sew we still have lots for you to do: cutting, hand sewing, playing with the kids or passing around refreshments. If you have any NEW toys, you could donate them for the packs.

We are located at the Brunswick Baptist Church Hall 491 Sydney rd, Brunswick (end of Blyth st). Nearby parking is scarce, but you can drop off people and heavy things in the church driveway. Public transport is very handy.

If there are any questions please call Jennifer 9383 5994 jennifer.mok@rch.org.au or laura 0449 841 254 laura.thomey@hotmail.com

ThankyouLaura and Jennifer, on behalf of the multicultural women's sewing group.

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Tick Tock It's Toy O'Clock:: CSU - Wagga

Peri from Charles Sturt University in Wagga emailed us to let us in on her highly-commendable, super-ace plan.

Here's to prove that from little things big things grow (and we have the perfect toon for that if you're in the mood for some music).

Peri told us - and we're sure a lot of us can agree - that while uni students don't have a lot of cash, they do have a bit of spare time they can donate. So she organised a craft day for Friday 27 February to make as many made-with-love toys and bags as possible in one day. These are to be sent to the kids as 'distraction' bags.

And here's where it gets even better. Her uni got wind of her grand idea and has contributed by donating other items such as colouring pencils, books & skipping ropes that can now be put in the bags too! Genius.

Peri and her mum have kindly donated a lot of their own stash, and very generously Addicted to Fabric in Canberra is donating more fabric and stuffing for the toys.

So Peri's idea of creating a couple of toys has grown into a big day of sewing, stitching, stuffing.

If you live in Wagga, go to CSU or perhaps you'd just like to join in, check out the poster above for details.

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Quilting bee Saturday 21st March

Jan, an exceptionally talented crafter and owner of everyone's favourite crafting venue Sew Journ, is hosting a quilting bee on Saturday 21st March in Ashburton.

Quilts make extra special gifts for people who have lost homes and family treasures as they give on so many levels. I hope as many of you as are able will head on over to the bee and help.

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Go on... you know you want to...

OK, so I'm a sewing-bee evangelist.... BUT PLEASE - If you can make something, make something to help out people who have been left with nothing. If you have friends who can make something, GET TOGETHER and make LOTS of things!!

There are SO MANY people who are looking for some way to channel their grief and compassion for bushfire victims, that if you put the word out in the networks you have (childcare, schools, work, sports or hobby clubs..) you might be surprised at the response you get. I had a little sewing bee on the weekend - expecting a dozen or so people... and at least FIFTY PEOPLE turned up, armed with sewing machines, fabric and donations of things for Rainbow Comfort Packs. It was amazing. Truly amazing. Three large rooms were filled with activity and community spirit.

Gay had a sewing bee, too, and just in sending out the information she garnered loads more support in her area (of NSW) for the cause. People want to help.... LET them.... Create the opportunity for them and they will be more than happy to jump on board.

Think about how much a group of crafters can make in a day, and think about the difference it could make to someone's day....

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