Another Life for Your Old Sewing Machine

mandalinarossa

I'm sure many sewists are asked why they sew? Lately I've been asked that myself. I imagine we all have our different reasons in the beginning, whether our parents have passed down these skills or they are self taught. Some of us sew because we thrive in that creative space. Others use their sewing machines in protest of fast fashion, to help make ends meet, provide for their families, or purely to bring joy to others. 


Sewing for me as been a self taught journey in effort to provide you with not only quirky and fun clothing designs but doing so with heirloom quality. My machine is a catalyst for changing the way we consume and create. (Yours is too!) Over the years I've outgrown machines, seeking out products that give me more options and growing my collection to include an embroidery machine and serger along with several vintage models. The time comes when your studio begins to resemble a sewing machine graveyard. There has to be another life for those unused sewing machines.

I'm so extremely excited to share with you that I've partnered with Bernina, a company that doesn't view sustainability as a buzz word but rather a cornerstone on which they've built their family owned business. If you have an old machine, any make/model and condition- it can be turned into your local Bernina store now through September. The machines collected will be passed along The Sewing Machine Project and then onto individuals or organizations in/around Gulf Coast, Mexico, Kosovo and Sri Lanka to mend lives and provide opportunities. The Sewing Machine Project believes that when people grow stronger, so do their communities. I believe that too!

While I jumped at the chance to pass along my old machines & help provide others with the opportunity to make a living and/or make a difference in their community- there was one machine I just couldn't part with. My very first one. This quote comes to mind,

"Yet for better or worse we love things that bear the marks of grime, soot, and weather, and we love the colors and the sheen that call to mind the past that made them."

- Junichiro Tanizaki 

After dropping off the collection with Bernina and returned home, I did what I do best. I creatively reused it so that everyone can enjoy it.

Whether you're looking to reduce the studio clutter or make a positive impact in someones life- I hope you'll consider taking part. Tell your friends too Click to Tweet it! How many sewing machines can you use at once anyway, right? If you've got a trusty ole machine or a motley crew collection, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Learn how to DIY here on the blog.