

We are really proud of the women who participated in a very special collaborative program this winter! Up to eighteen women came to Make-It Springfield for nine early morning Mondays, to learn Sewing Machine Basics with local seamstress, Elizabeth Daniels.
The program was a collaboration with Jewish Family Services of Western MA whose Women’s Group Program supports recent refugees in their efforts to build community, learn new skills, become self-sufficient and support their families. There were two groups of women in the sewing class – Swahili speakers and Arabic speakers. JFS provided translators which made for a very interesting and fun learning environment! Make-It also provided a childcare assistant who managed a few babies and toddlers that came in with their mothers.

The women learned how to create a pattern, manage their projects, and how to care for and troubleshoot the sewing machines. The woman completed a tote bag and also brought in their own projects to work on with the instructor.
Additionally, the women have started to come to Make-It Springfield on their own to work on projects during our open hours. It is always our goal to be welcoming and we love when new visitors grow in their connection to our Make-It community!
We thank our very generous donors who contributed funds, and who purchased supplies, fabric and extra sewing machines from our Amazon Wish List for this really exciting program! The generosity of our donors is always appreciated!






