A New Sewing Machine {What I Worked on Wednesday}

No, I'm not buying one personally, though I would totally dig that some day!  Today I invested in an industrial sewing machine for immigrant ladies living in the 'burbs of Atlanta in a place called Clarkston.  They make these cool accessories at Plywood People out of old billboards.  Can you say upcycle! 

I love the modern look of their accessories.  And I'm all about the fact that this billboard did not end up in a landfill somewhere.  This is a billfold.

An iPad Sleeve.

And a Satchel.

Wow, what a fabulous company!  They have an incredible mission to serve their community and a heart to reach out to strangers in a new land. I also love that they are training future sewista's {yes that is my made up word for she who sews wonderfully}.  Wahoo!

Plywood People is in innovative community addressing social needs.  They believe that, "We will be known by the problems we solve."  How true is that?!  And they have a passion to teach skills to the women in the community around them.  They have started a sewing school and are instructing on the art of sewing, along with English and equipping them with skills to find long-term employment.  

Here is a snippet from their blogpost "Cycle of Love" about fundraising for an industrial sewing machine.

They need an industrial sewing machine so they can be quicker and more efficient, but more importantly, so they can know how to use this type of machine for potential future jobs. Our Billboard Bags project is a one-year job training program [through Plywood People]—the goal is for them to gain all the experience they can and move on to other long term jobs. I want them to get good jobs and be valued as employees in their future jobs.

Would you consider making a donation to help this worthy cause?  Maybe you would prefer to support them by trying out a tote or a billfold.  Keep this store on your list for holiday gifts.  Its a gift that makes a difference. Just ask Kay Nwe.

What are you working on today?