Fundraising for Youth Sewing Project

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The Youth Sewing Project meets after school at Golden Bay High School every Wednesday during term time.

Sheryl Nalder initiated the project 14 years ago, sourcing sewing machines and fabric to get started, while ongoing funding comes from Mohua Social Services.

Right from the beginning, Margy Meys was tutoring, and she still is. “Being part of this group continues to feel like a privilege, being able to work with my passion of textiles, great community support, and a group talented young people,” Margy says.

Even during lockdowns, it continued online with focus on creativity and wellbeing. Margy has support from “wonderful volunteers”, some of whom are textile artists. Dozens of students have learnt many valuable skills, from the basics of using machines; drawing; using patterns; sewing items like “weird toys, laptop covers, cushions, funky creations and dolls”; and creating and up-cycling garments.

Margy reports that some have gone on to do “amazing things”, with one winning a fashion award, another now working in industrial design, and one forming a business sewing and selling masks during covid. The project even has special material set aside for making ballgowns. Sometimes there is a fun “Project Runway” (based on the TV programme), challenging students to design and model their creations with accompanying narrative.

The team welcome donations of non-stretch fabric, a metre or more in size, as well as buttons, elastic, lace, thread, and any other sewing resources.

Mohua Social Services are currently running a raffle, fundraising to support the Youth Sewing Project. Prizes include a queen-sized quilt, titled “Brightly”, by Bridget Miller; a painting titled “Shimmering”, by Sarah Thomas; and a grocery hamper.

Raffle tickets will be sold at Take Note on Thursday 6 April, 10am-3pm.

Then at FreshChoice on Saturday 8 April, 9am-3pm; Tuesday 11 April, 10am-3pm; and Wednesday 12 April, 10am-3pm.

Community support will keep the Youth Sewing Project going for years to come.