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Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 2/11/10 11:42 AM ET
Thinking about donating one of my sewing machines, I finally thought of called someone I know who is active with the local Refugee Resettlement organization. We have many refugees settling in our city. I do not know why it took me so long to think of that. Well, I wanted a good home where the machine would be taken care of and used, where there was a practical need for it, rather than as my fifth machine. It is my Jem Gold II which I almost never used. I am happy to say it found a good home with a family - a nice young woman with five children who has an ancient machine of some kind that isn't all that functional. At the same time she told me where these ladies get their wonderful African cottons so the deal was a good one!

Just wanted to say - look local if you are looking for a new home for a machine and don't want or need to sell it.
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 10/29/06
Posts: 500
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Posted on: 2/11/10 9:46 PM ET
Bless you for giving your sm away to someone who needs it!

This is a good idea to contact a group like that. I have read of an organization that ships them overseas to those in need, but you have to get it to a drop off point and the only one I found was in NJ.

For those of us who won't live forever and have no heirs who sew, this is something to consider and perhaps make arrangements to bequeath our beloved little ''children''.
  
Member since 9/9/03
Posts: 1406
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Posted on: 2/12/10 2:06 AM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Muffet -- What a great idea and reminder. Your Jem Gold II will surely be put to good use. Recently, I was lucky to find to a "needy" person who sews and who wanted my 2nd perfectly good serger that is never used anymore. This woman had used sergers before, so I believe my old friend will be in good hands. But I definitely will keep your idea in mind for any future placements -- there is a Refugee Resettlement Agency here, also, I believe.
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aka Joanne. (Penelope was the cat. RIP.)
"What mother nature gives, father time takes away."
Yahoo group: Sewing-with-Industrial-Machines
  
Member since 6/3/09
Posts: 366
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Posted on: 2/12/10 5:34 AM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Would you share the resource for the African cottons?

Great idea for moving on your sewing machine. I'm sure the new owner is praising you for thinking of their need.
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 2/12/10 11:19 AM ET
In reply to MegquiltsinVT
African cottons are sold here at the small ethnic stores in Burlington's Old North End, as well as foods, home goods, etc. I have to go downtown and seek the store out.

It's not that I am such a terrific person, but I know there are always folks in ones own community that can use help now and then, and you don't need to look to foreign countries to help others. I am a huge admirer of the Salvation Army as well, they do so much good. And they know how to do it, and have connections. But these days, there are legitimate agencies helping relocate people and so many of the women new to this country do know how to sew, and so sewing machines should be welcome in a lot of communities.

Here in Burlington, there is also a commercial location, also in the Old North End, which has sewing machines for a nominal rental - in house! There are machines and a few staff to help, and one can run in and repair or sew or whatever! What a terrific idea. Like a laundromat except it is a "Sewing-mat". It makes me glad to see this happening.

New motto - "A sewing machine in every pot!"
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/12/10 11:33 AM ET
In reply to Mufffet
I have only given to womens shelters, or the Salvation Army etc. and never thought about Refugee Relocation Centers. Great idea Muffett, and so good of you to give a nice little machine like the Jem. A perfect little machine that can be moved around from place to place and "relocated" just as the people involved.
I think any machine given would be appreciated but wouldn't it be great to have a group that gave Jems on going to those in need...a Jem in every pot. Should strike a deal with Janome to donate or discount some too.
-- Edited on 2/12/10 11:34 AM --
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 2/12/10 11:53 AM ET
In reply to Betakin
Betakin, Janome has donated Jems in the past to African cottage industry and the machines were taken there by a US group. One nice thing is that although they are smaller machines, they are solid and pretty tough. They are a real step above the Sears Mini Ultra or the less expensive Janomes with front load. I have had two now and both have gone to new homes. I am trying to curb my enthusiasm for machine buying. -=8) I love to play with them and see how different machines perform. Lately I have been putting my Elna 2100 through its paces. Some of the least expensive machines really do very well.
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/12/10 12:06 PM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Yes,, the Jems are a step above the Kenmore mini's. One of my DD's has a Mini and another DD has the Jem Silver as her only machine. She sold a wonder green old metal Kenmore with only straight stitch and zig zag for $25 at her yard sale..grrr..I think worth much more. The green Kenmore would have made a lovely donation though.

I hope she keeps the Jem Silver. It is the same machine as the Jem Gold but in different color..being white and dark blue. I think it might be considered to have more worth some day because it has the ASG logo on the head and on the little blue bag that it came in, designating the ASG's silver anniversary.
  
Member since 10/29/06
Posts: 500
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Posted on: 2/12/10 1:25 PM ET
In reply to Mufffet
Quote: Mufffet
Here in Burlington, there is also a commercial location, also in the Old North End, which has sewing machines for a nominal rental - in house! There are machines and a few staff to help, and one can run in and repair or sew or whatever! What a terrific idea. Like a laundromat except it is a "Sewing-mat".

Oh wow, that is so cool!
I hope they are able to keep it going.
-- Edited on 2/12/10 1:26 PM --
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25292
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Posted on: 2/12/10 4:31 PM ET
In reply to Susannah
Quote:
I hope they are able to keep it going.


Yes, it's sort of a little co-op that a few people run - kind of a Threadbanger approach, which *IS* cool because it attracts the young and gives DIY an energizing kick!

Here's article from a local paper back in2008:The Bobbin

From the look of the website it may not be in business anymore?!
-- Edited on 2/12/10 4:46 PM --
------
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
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