The Lennie Project & a TEST/416Hustler Sewing Bee!

This January has seen some bitter cold weather here in Toronto, with tragic consequences for two homeless men. One of our local Etsy sellers and Toronto Etsy Street Team members, Nathalie-Roze has been putting her sewing and upcycling skills to work to address the issue. She writes that,

"it's just so sad (& avoidable). Homelessness is a complex issue we have to address as a city, but there's a lot that we can do as individuals. For my part, I'm ramping up production re: our Make & Donate initiative (aka The Lennie Project). It's a small thing, but small acts matter & help people, and that's a positive thing. If you're in Toronto, I hope you might want to get involved - either by contributing sweaters, spreading the word online (or human-to-human!) or even hands-on helping with production (basic cutting & sewing). In the East-End Lady Marmalade in Leslieville & Pippins Tea Shop in the Beach, The Purple Purl and Lazy Daisy Cafe are serving as drop-off points for sweaters. In the West-End in the Annex CSI/Centre for Social Innovation, Beadle on Dundas W and Common Sort in Parkdale are serving as drop-off points for sweaters. We'll also be collecting your cozy cast-offs at the Winter UberSWAP OR   you can message me [through Nathalie-Roze  on Etsy], on Twitter (@NRandCo) or FB, etc. There are never too many sweaters or volunteers, so don't be shy!" 

She's also been involved in a number of sewing parties to make more hats and neck-warmers for the homeless and under-served residents of Toronto.

The Toronto Etsy Street Team is joining forces with 416Hustler to hold a sewing bee for The Lennie Project. We would like to invite you to join us on Saturday January 24, 2015. We are waiting to confirm a venue until we have an estimate of the number of expected participants, but we expect to be at a TTC-accessible site in the east end. The patterns are all designed to be simple enough for a beginner sewer. All skill levels and donations are welcome. The Lennie Project uses donated knits dark, neutral colours are best and polar fleece (which is particularly needed). Dark, neutral colours are best. Please bring any fabric and sweater donations you have to offer, sewing scissors and if possible, your reasonably small sewing machine.

Please RSVP HERE!