Bari J.

About a month ago I received an email that moved me to tears. An email that made it "all worth it". Better than any magazine article, book deal or fabric contract. Something that really means something.

This is what it said:

"Hello, I am teaching some ladies in Kenya how to sew, and came across your apron pattern when looking for easy to sew projects. We modified the pattern slightly - different measurements, single layer of fabric rather than double - but the inspiration is there. I have a photo of the ladies wearing their aprons if you would like to see it. The sewing class is part of an outreach program for disadvantaged girls, as part of Blessed Generation Children & Home (for orphans) in Malindi, Kenya. Regards, Trina."

Here are the ladies wearing the aprons from the free pattern in my sidebar. If I could, in any small way be a part of this, I am deeply honored:

After the ladies are trained they will either work in a uniform workshop or they will get a treadle sewing machine to take back to their village and use it to make a living making and tailoring clothing. I'd like to reach through this photo and give them each a hug.

As it turns out, they can use some sewing supplies, books, patterns etc. However, Trina tells me that the post can be a bit iffy, so I'm going to start by sending one package to see if it gets through. I'd like to make a larger effort. I hope you'll be able to join in. Details will come as soon as I have them.

In the meantime, here is info on the centre.

I have been feeling a bit helpless, as we all have, in regards to what is going on in Japan right now. I, of course, have a special place in my heart for Japan being that the company I design fabric for, Lecien, is a Japanese Company. We've gotten news that the people who work for Lecien are for the most part ok for now or at least accounted for which is a blessing. At any rate, I thought I'd contribute my small piece by participating in this appeal sponsored by A Bit of This and That. 

Here's how it will work:

I'm offering for raffle, this handbag. It was made by me as a sample for my quilt market booth. It is from my Notting Hill Hobo sewing pattern and made from my Country Lane line of fabric. It measures 15"w x 11"h x 3"d and comes with a rhinestone brooch.

I'll also throw in a Country Lane scrap pack...

and a cherry blossom and roses charm...

This is a design from my Full Bloom line of fabrics made into a charm by the fabulous Cathy Penton Designs. It can be used as a necklace or even a purse charm.

To participate this is what you do:

Go to Global Giving and donate at least $5 to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief.

NOTE: Bids are made in US $ and Each entry must be a minimum of $5.

When you have done it come back to this post and leave a comment with your reciept number and you must also leave a valid email address, you can write the address in the format of mymailname ‘at’ hotmail ‘dot’ com.

You may enter as many times as you like but each time you need a new receipt number. 

I am not affliated in any way with Global Giving. It is just the way we have chosen to help this effort.

On another note, if you are inclined to run a raffle or auction of your own, that would be fabulous! See this post for details on how.

Thank you so very much for donating to this cause!

 A winner will be picked on March 26.

 

Edit: March 29... Winner is comment #1! From Wendy!

Congratulations. Comments are now closed. Thank you all for donating!

My friend Cara came up with this Charity Challenge when she was driving down the street and saw a sign at a Women's Shelter. They desperately needed paper towels. A basic to most of us, Cara was moved by this sign to do something. 

Go to Cara's blog to find out just how you can help. Not only will you feel good about helping someone in need, but you can also win a nifty prize! 

 

As many of you know, April is Autism Awareness Month. This month, the group, Have Dreams has signed up as part of the Bari J. Giving Back program. For all of April, when you put "Have Dreams" in the comment window upon checkout, 20% of your purchase will go directly to the Have Dreams charity.

The Bari J. Giving Back program continues to look for worthy charities to add to this program. To be considered, contact me. Look for information about The Women's Resource Center of Astoria, Oregon later this month as well.

It's really important to me to give back to my community. And before I started Bari J. my life was pretty much kids, husband, volunteering. I worked on countless charity events, chaired and sat on various committees for various organizations, did the Avon 3 day walk, and (don't laugh) I was the PTA president at the school.

But as my business has grown, I, Wonder-Woman (tee hee ha ha), have not yet found a way to add extra hours to the day so that I can make a better contribution around here.

So... I was thinking, and I've come up with something that I think will be a fun way for some worthy charities to get a little extra cash-ola. And that is with online Charity Events.

It will work like this: You will contact me to apply to be part of the program. *If accepted your non-profit charity will choose a convenient two week period in which to shop at Bari J. online. You'll enter a code in the comment window so I know it's you...then 20% of the proceeds will go back to your charity. Sound like fun? And a good deal?

Well then, Click here if you would like to apply!

*Don't you just love a legal disclaimer??? Here's mine: Bari J. reserves the right to refuse any group or any person from participating in this program for any reason.

PS On another note: there's still time to enter to win the give-away!

During the month of October our flock of birds are doing their part to give back. 15% of the proceeds from any bird applique bag you order goes to Breast Cancer research.

The birds have flown to our ready to buy page for immediate shipping. Or you can design your own for shipping in about four weeks.