Hello everyone
Hope this finds you well and not too busy as the Festive season approaches?
At long last I am able to give you an update on the Victoria Falls Embroidery group donations. It has taken some time to process with delays in receiving the stock and then delays with the shipping and customs clearing in Zimbabwe, but it has finally been received.
As you know the intention was to give this group a head -start with their embroidery business, you can read all about it here: Victoria Falls Many of you kindly sent messages asking if you could donate and we decided to set up an online donation facility here.
Firstly, a BIG thank you to all of you who sent donations – there was an overwhelming response and we raised almost US$800. Here is a message from the Victoria Falls Embroidery group: “A HUGE thank you to all the wonderfully kind donors who have made this incredible pile of kindness possible”.
The group were mainly in need of embroidery threads so we purchased 85 boxes of DMC floss at wholesale prices and together with some crewel wool and some needles were packaged up and sent to the group by Fedex courier. Unfortunately they were charged almost 100% customs duties on the package but that is the way of it in Africa.
Prior to this Christie Brookstein who is managing the group contacted me to discuss options for the designs and colours. Between us we came up with some ideas if you would like to have a look at them you can access the PDF file here.Vic falls
Since then the group have begun working on the new designs and testing out samples. At present it is a work in progress but they hope to have the first items ready for sale early in 2019. I will keep you posted.
There are no words to express our gratitude. Your kind gestures have not only provided a self fulfilling career but also enabled them to achieve a measure of independence in their current economical climate. A big hug to all of you.
Till next time wherever you are in the world, keep smiling and happy stitching!
Trish
Any updates on our embroiderers?
Hi Elizabeth
They are working on new designs with a view to start selling by early next year, but Zimbabwe is going through turmoil at present, no power, no water, no food, no fuel, no internet or wifi so it is not easy. I have not heard from them in some time and presume this is why. Trish
So pleased to have helped. Kudos to you for making this happen…..hugs
Thanks Karen😊
I am hoping that there will be a book about this, including the colors. I am also hoping that it will benefit the stitchers of Victoria Falls.
That’s such a great idea Sally not sure if it can happen but you have got me thinking😊
Thank you so much for sharing this and what a wonderful project. Bravo to empowering women!
Thanks Jill and yes we can do with a bit of empowering😊
Good Good – Thanks for making this happen Trish
Love
Shelagh
Thank you for letting us know ‘what”s happening’! I’m so glad they got their product, but so sad the government did that to them. Looking forward to seeing their finish products. I did a KuKu Bird design from a group of ladies years ago. Still enjoy him, it’s a small quilt.
Thanks Lizzie and lovely to hear about your Kuku bird😊
Thanks Shelagh xxx