Tuesday, June 29, 2010

ACCUQUILT GO AND NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN AMERIKA SAMOA

Little did Carolyn know that when she contacted me about giving me a GO cutter that it would affect the lives of so many. Not only you all as blogging friends but the people of Amerika Samoa as well.

I was approached by the Human Resources here in Amerika Samoa about teaching sewing classes.

Some of the ladies (and or gents) have not sewn before so I thought that using these fabrics that Sew Cal Gal sent a while back would be awesome to teach straight line sewing. She used the Accuquilt Go to cut these, sent them to me to use for the non profit I was involved in. Well....I never got around to it with that paticular non profit but....I will with this group.



I told the director about these strips and that I could make more, I have a machine....I sat up straight and tall as I said that....huge smile on my face....

She was interested in the machine, she looks it up online and her face lit up. She wants to use the machine to let these ladies cut into their used clothing (what a way to reuse). I am willing to take my machine but at the same time, a little worried about the over use....will have to get over my selfishness.

We are in the process of trying to procure sewing machines, supplies, notions, etc. Since the tsunami and the closing of the cannery, it is very important that other skills are offered to the Samoan people to learn and support themselves. How exciting to be a part of this and how exciting that they will have the Go cutter to help salvage old materials into new projects. The director is trying to keep the groups to a minimum of 10 to 12 a class, no more than 25 people total for these sewing classes.

Maybe you will see a Samoan online store soon, selling cut fabrics, wouldn't that be awesome?

Thanks again to Accuquilt for making it possible for the community of Amerika Samoa to have access to a Go cutter..... It is interesting to see how this company has reached the vast regions of the world and how much easier it is making alot of lives.

26 comments:

Sharlee said...

Wonderful post Barb you're great!!!

Jackie's Stitches said...

I'm not surprised you're doing something good with your GO! Keep posting about it, I'd love to hear more!

SheilaC said...

wOw Barb, you never cease to amaze me....

Is there a way to donate $$ toward the purchase of other supplies?

I have donated via online charity websites before, put that idea in the HR woman's head!

SheilaC

Unknown said...

That is totally awesome...you are such a good influence to those around you!! You go girl!

SewCalGal said...

Heartwarming. So happy to hear you are finding a way to use those scrap fabrics. Great way for people to learn to sew!

Have fun and keep us posted on your teaching project. I'm sure it will be successful.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Wonderful Barb! Keep up the great work!

MGM

hetty said...

What a wonderful project. You are amazing! Always doing good for others. You're the greatest!

Pat said...

This is wonderful, Barb!

Needled Mom said...

Wouldn't it be a wonderful venture, Barb. I will await it in my local stores.

Seams to Sew and Quilt said...

Oh how wonderful...

Cyndi said...

That is so totally cool!

XOXO,

Cyndi

Betsy said...

Barb, congratulations! That is such a wonderful thing to do.

Katie :o) said...

Oh! What a wonderful use for your Go cutter :o) Enjoy your classes!

andsewon said...

Yes it would for sure!! My Mama used to say 'we are blessed when we bless others'... you are a very special gal Miz Barb!!
Hugs,
Lola

Unknown said...

how cool is that, maybe Accuquilt will send another one for this cause....

Anonymous said...

Way to go, Barb! Keep us posted! ...Karen

Rumi said...

That's wonderful Barb! You have a heart of gold!

Dana Gaffney said...

Did you write to Accuquilt about this or put it on their Facebook page. I would bet they would donate one. They give so many away.

Dana Gaffney said...

And, by the way, I bet you can get donations of fabric, I like the recycling idea of old clothing, but real fabric would be nice too.

Patty said...

Good for you Barb. That Go is a blessing in a way that it really counts.

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

Very generous! Those strips will make learning to sew so much easier. I think I would have a hard time sharing too. lol

Anonymous said...

Your sweet and giving....I think it is wonderful that you are helping and using your GO...maybe the Accuquilt could donate one since you are moving soon right?

Joanna said...

They are so lucky to have you there to teach them. What kinds of things do they need? If I can send you some small things I would like to help. I need my sewing machine, so they can't have that(lol.)

Anonymous said...

Hello Barb, you have a good heart....enjoyed catching up with your posts...very special what you are doing...Warm Regards, Lyn

sewfunquilts said...

Wonderful for these folks to learn sewing/quilting. You are awesome!

Unknown said...

that is amazing news Barb, who'da thought......