Wild Horses quilt

How did you get involved with UJAMAA GRANDMAS?

I've been volunteering with UJAMAA GRANDMAS for five years or so. I got involved by going to one of their sales and realizing that I could contribute to the group. At first, I mostly did knitting for the group but it didn't take long for me to start sewing for them as well. I got involved with the Grannies for a number of reasons.  I have great respect for Stephen Lewis and his foundation.  I believe in the work the foundation does.  Making things for the Grannies allows me to do the things I love and to contribute as much as I am able to.  The Grannies are a group of fantastic women who are passionate about the work they do.  

What do you like to sew? 

I'm fairly new to bag making.  Just this year I participated in a UJAMAA GRANDMAS workshop on making bags with Patty and I was instantly bitten by the bag bug.  So far, I've mostly made bags from the Bag of the Month Club.  I use fabric that I have in my stash and also fabric from the GRANDMAS.  I mostly like working with boldly patterned fabric.

Bright Shopper from workshop and BOMC April 2016 bag (Gabby)

I also sew outside of the charity sale.  I've made bags for myself and also as gifts.  I also sew clothes and home decor items as well as designing and making quilts.  I also do thread painting on silk.

I hope to continue making things for UJAMAA GRANDMAS as long as I am able to.  I also want to continue in my other sewing projects.  I am interested in dyeing fabric, batik and surface design.  I'm hoping to start selling items of my own design.  I also paint and I'm thinking about painting fabric for bags to make one-of-a-kind items.

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