Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Days for Girls Sewing Challenge

Today we're kicking off the SAMQG Days for Girls Sewing Challenge!

One of our members, Linda, brought the Days for Girls organization to our attention after seeing a presentation from one of their volunteers. The work Days for Girls does is amazing. Please take a moment to click that link.

Days for Girls Mission: Creating a more dignified, free and educated world through access to lasting feminine hygiene solutions.

You can also see the organization's founderCeleste Mergens, TEDtalk as she shares the story of how Days for Girls started and why listening to the wisdom of those you serve is vital for creating culturally, socially and physically relevant solutions that change lives. -from DfG website. Video Link Here.

So what is our sewing challenge? 

The SAMQG is hosting a challenge to create drawstring hygiene bags (pictured above) which we will donate to the organization. Our sponsor, Mesquite Bean Fabrics, has donated a prize to be given to the randomly drawn volunteer. Each person who turns in a sewn item at the MAY meeting will have their name entered once.  {{See the bottom of this blog post for additional information and sewing opportunities.}}


How do you make a drawstring bag? 


I'm so glad you asked! 

Complete pattern directions provided with exact specifications are included on the Days for Girls official pattern. Please be mindful of the fabric prints required and restricted.

You will be able to pick up the Days for Girls label/patch at the April meeting. Each bag is needs a patch.


Will there be kits? 


For our last sewing challenge we offered kits cut from donated flannel. This round will be the same! Hooray for generous donors!! Thank you so much! We have about 65 kits ready so far. {{Kits are for drawstring bags. Scroll to the bottom of this post for additional sewing opportunities.}}


Each drawstring bag kit contains:

  • 1 rectangle of fabric measuring 11" x 28"
  • 2 pieces of grosgrain ribbon 36" long
  • 1 Days for Girls label/patch


The kits are ready and the pattern is shared. What next?

Official Sew-In Days are:
If you are in the SAMQG, please RSVP on our "EVENTS" tab on Facebook.

Kits will also be available at spring retreat, if you are looking to make a quick bag in your quilt-y down-time.

Of course, you are encouraged to sew as many drawstring bags as you like on your own, too. You do not have to attend an event to make a wonderful donation. Grab the pattern here.

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Additional Sewing Opportunities:

I recently met with a representative for the local San Antonio Days for Girls chapter. It was quite eye-opening. The drawstring bags we create will be used to hold hygiene kits:
The kits include a couple different sewn items, including (2) shields and (8) flannel liners.
Get the shield pattern here and shield template here. The liners are every bit as easy as our previous blanket sewing challenge. 

The design is two layers of prewashed flannel, stitched together, turned right-side out, and stitched again. These are the liners which, when folded, fit into the shield pockets:
They are octagons folded in thirds. In the pattern HERE, you'll also find a square method for making liners using a serger.
Easily make a few liners by downloading THIS TEMPLATE and following THESE DIRECTIONS.

Cut pre-washed flannel easily by laying the template like this and cutting through two layers at once.
Easy, right?

Please be mindful of the fabric print requirements and restrictions listed on the pattern.

Bring any Days for Girls projects to the May meeting. Anything you stitch is a more than welcome donation! Thank you!!







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