This month, I am participating in a charity sewing challenge for an organization called Days for Girls. Days for Girls is a nonprofit organization that makes sure that every woman and girl around the world has access to sustainable feminine hygiene by sewing and distributing feminine hygiene kits to women in countries that needs them. I was inspired after reading an article in Generation Q magazine last year…if you’d like, you can read the article here: http://generationqmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Days-for-Girls-Final-pdf.pdf. I was nearly moved to tears after reading the article, and immediately e-mailed the editor of the magazine, Melissa, after reading it. And so talk of “Show Us Your Undies” began.
Of course there are many charitable organizations to sew for. We chose this one because 1) there’s a definite need, and 2) the sanitary kits are very simple to sew on a regular home sewing machine! Any skill level can make them. These projects are perfect for your scraps or fat quarters.
We are inspiring you to take up the cause and perhaps hold a sew-in event at your local quilt guild to make the sanitary kits for girls, or sew them at home by yourself or with a group of friends! You can find more information about sewing the kits, downloading the free sewing pattern, and where to send finished kits on the Days for Girls website. If you decide to sew some kits, please comment here or on the Generation Q blog!
If you are in the Chicagoland area, Tracy from Generation Q magazine and I will be at the Bernina Creative Center in Aurora, IL from 8am – 12:30pm NEXT FRIDAY, February 20th to sew some kits. No need to bring a sewing machine…Bernina has plenty of beautiful machines on hand! If you are interested in attending, please visit the event’s Facebook page and RSVP now! I look forward to seeing you there!!
Thank you for sharing this great organization. I downloaded all of the information and plan on making this part of my ongoing charity sewing. There are so many things we just take for granted! I never would have even thought of this being an issue. Thanks again!
OHMYGOSH I think I can make this–what a GREAT way to spread the love and brighten the world. I’ll share this around, see if some other locals can make it as well. <3
excellent idea and great help. My sister is involved with an organisation in Kenya that is teaching a group of women to make these for distribution to the girls in their area. The fabrics and supplies will be purchased locally so as to help the economy of the area as well. That is going to work for that area. I contribute financially to them. I don’t think it would be feasible for me to make stuff to send to the US to send on but it is a great idea and a way to help our sisters in need
What a great thing to do – hard to believe there is a need for this. I just downloaded the instructions for the drawstring bag – I’m happy to make some for such a good cause.
thanks for alerting me to this charity. Next time I see bright patterned flannel I’m going to buy a chunk and get serging!
I participated in a group in Australia sewing for days for girls last year, we made 100 kits which went to girls in Papua New Guinea. A co-worker was inspired to begin a chapter of this organisation after volunteering as a midwife there. This is a great charity, a very worthwhile cause.
My girl friend posted a picture on Facebook of her Girl scout troop working on these kits. I was interested so she passed along the website info. The more research I have been doing I am now thinking about forming a team. I have a sewing class of teen girls I teach weekly and they have been talking about sewing for charity. This would be a good organization to support. I wish I could attend the class in Naperville on 2-20. I have to work. 🙁