The Lennie Project Sewcial

Some final details and information for you:

WHAT: A Sewcial - a gathering co-hosted by TEST & 416Hustlers, open to all, to help make hats and cowls for Toronto's homeless, for The Lennie Project

WHEN: Saturday, January 24th, 12 - 5:30 pm. Drop in any time.

WHERE: the Hurndale room (in the basement) of Eastminster Church, 310 Danforth Ave, near Chester subway station

WHAT CAN I BRING?

• We can use donations of cozy knits or polar fleece in dark neutral colours. (Technical fabric questions should be posted on the event page). 
• Sewing machines, scissors, power bars, extension cords are all useful
• We will have some snacks, but snacks for sewers are also welcome! We plan some tea and cookies, so healthy stuff like fruit and water.

CAN I HELP? I DON'T SEW
Yes! Not only can you help by collecting any donations you may have to offer, but we also need volunteers for cutting, sewing, welcoming volunteers, snack detail, and taking photos. Patterns are simple enough for beginners too. Anyone can help!

Other questions we've received:
Can I bring my baby and work with her in a baby carrier? Of course! (Though for insurance reasons, we cannot accommodate children. So young enough to carry or old enough to help is best.)
What's the minimum size for useful fabric scraps? Please direct fabric questions to the event page. In general, think about hats and cowls when judging sizes.
I was thinking of bringing fruit, crackers, hummus? Yes please!

Experienced sewers are particularly welcome so that we can make and donate as many hats and cowls as possible.

Please RSVP HERE!

UPDATE: The Lennie Project Sewing Bee Details, January 24

Thanks for all the great feedback! We've finalized our plans for the joint TEST/416Hustlers Sewing Bee for The Lennie Project. You're all invited to join us:

Saturday, January 24th, 12:30 - 5:30 pm at Eastminster Church basement, 310 Danforth Ave, Toronto

The Eastminster Church is at Danforth and Jackman Ave, one block west of Chester subway station. Please feel welcome to participate for any amount of time and any way you can. Fabric donations are welcome (cozy knits and polar fleece in dark neutral colours). We're thrilled that some members with serious sewing skills and machines can take part, but all skill levels are welcome. You can also help us tidy up at the end, if you prefer.

Specific questions about sewing machines and fabric donations should be directed to Nathalie-Roze.  See you soon!

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!