Donate your old sewing machine, and change a life.

Were you lucky enough to get a new sewing machine for Christmas, or do you have an old neglected machine you've forsaken for a newer model? 

Just a quick post to mention the wonderful work being done by TFSR "Tools For Self Reliance"

TFSR are a charity who refurbish donated sewing machines to send to communities in the developing world, helping women to learn a trade. They take both electric and manual driven machines, which are given a thorough overhaul and testing before being sent to appropriate areas. The women are taught to use the machine as well as given basic business advice and also a kit of haberdashery items to allow them to get started. In particular, hand driven sewing machines empower women in some of the poorest and most remote areas of the world to earn money and feed their families. 

This charity touches my heart in a very personal way, my great grandmother Bridgit (whom I'm named after) came to England from poverty in Ireland and was left widowed with 6 young children. She managed to acquire an industrial strength sewing machine and began dressmaking from home, she also mended leather boots and belts…can you imagine working a treadle machine on leather?! Bridgit's ability to sew kept the family together in a time of poverty.

I'm proud to be part of the sewing community, I'm lucky that sewing is an enjoyable hobby to me but for many people it's an important skill which can literally change lives. How do you feel about being part of the wider sewing community?