I returned to San Miguel a few weeks ago. Everyone is doing well.
One of the most exciting events was telling Boni that she has been invited to the 2013 ATHA conference in Califonia. I translated the letter, sent to her by Gene Shepherd and Sally Coon, into spanish and had this young womanl read it to her. She is still in shock but very excited to visit the USA and teach hooking without a frame. We are going to purchase some nice clothes for her trip. Her wardrobe is limited to say the least. Another idea would be this: Do any of you have any nice extra large classey clothing you would like to send to her? I'm not sure of her size but I would say in the area of a 22 petit, she is only about 5 feet tall. Email me if you are interested and I will get her measurements.
Here is more news about sewing machines.
Judy Christofferson and sister Becky Rhodes, seasonal SMA residents, have been making pillows from the rugs for the past two years since the group had neither sewing machines nor the skill to use them. However the concept of “teach a woman to sew and she feeds her family for a lifetime” gave them the idea of sewing lessons and sewing machines. Becky had taught sewing to Junior high students for years so she agreed to provide lessons. The first one occurred July 2011. The women were enamored with learning this new skill and caught on quickly so they donated a sewing machine to the group. A member of the SMA community donated a second machine. But, with only 2 machines between 18 people opportunities to learn and practice were limited.
When these resourceful sisters returned to the USA last fall they took on the task of obtaining more machines. Their excitement about the project was infectious and the managed to raise enough money to buy 4 more machines. For teaching purposes the group needed a simple project with high sales potential to begin. Judy, a retired art teacher, whose creative mind is a volcano of ideas, came up with the idea of wine caddies made from colorful local oilcloth. They made 10 samples and brought them to the Mujeres en Cambio luncheon on Jan 19. They sold out and the money wet toward the purchase of more oilcloth.
On Jan 21, 2012 they returned to the village with the groups marketing consultant, Charlotte Bell. They brought the sewing machine, patterns, ribbons and their characteristic enthusiasm. The meeting took place at the house of Isabel Cazares, whose patio has enough covered space to house everyone plus a large table. It also has one electric outlet. Judy, a novice Spanish speaker, had written simple clear instructions in Spanish by using Google translate. Within ½ hours the women were cutting oilcloth and the machines were buzzing. All the women and many of their children crowded attentively around the machines. Judy commented that it brought tears to hear eyes to see the birth of this new endeavor. Becky commented that she wished her students in the US had been this dedicated to learning. Everyone in the group made a wine caddy.
The addition of sewing machines has planted seed of many new possibilities in the fertile minds of the eager Rancheritas. Stay tuned this is just the beginning. More on Las Rancheritas store to follow soon.
