Boomerang Bags Sewing Workshop
Early in 2017, Lake Macquarie resident Claire Stewart started Lake Macquarie Boomerang Bags, keen to join with the worldwide phenomenon of community groups working to get rid of plastic bags.
Unlike single use plastic bags, Boomerang Bags keep being used over and over - and because they are made of mostly recycled fabric, are the ultimate in sustainable shopping bags. With Supermarkets promising to phase out plastic bags, the need for reusable shopping bags has never been greater!
Claire worked with several local Lake Macquarie community groups, to organise sewing workshops, during which volunteers made a growing collection of bags, destined to be provided free of charge for local residents to use when shopping.
However, when Claire had to recently move away from the area, the local scheme looked in jeopardy. But, in an almost seamless move, Anna Dowley and her team from The Canopy, stepped in to keep the scheme intact.
The Canopy is a non-profit organisation that provides multiple services for families, children and the community. The Canopy operates its administration from Cameron Park Community Centre but its services extend throughout the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions, including a shop-front in Cardiff's old library.
One of Claire’s first moves back in June, was to team up with CASNG, to hold Lake Mac Boomerang Bag’s first ever Sewing Workshop (you can read about that Workshop by clicking the link below).
Anna and The Canopy have built on that earlier good work, by teaming up once again with CASNG, to hold another successful Sewing Workshop in November 2017.
CASNG and The Canopy wish to thank Cathy & John, Louise and Amelia, Ruby, Anne, and Lorelle, as well as Anna herself, for bringing their sewing machines, expertise, ideas, and sewing up a storm on the day.
Cathy from Upcycle Newcastle joined us with her machine, and also passed on some terrific ideas about bag designs that are quicker to sew.
An incredible 32 Boomerang Shopping Bags were cut from donated fabric, pinned, and then sewn together during the Workshop - a very credible result, as most of the sewers had previously never sewn a Boomerang Bag together before.
A big thank you also goes to Cardiff North Public School for donating the school hall for this event, an excellent use of a community facility for community benefit.
CASNG was responsible setting up and packing up the hall, and keeping the workers supplied with drinks and something to nibble on, as well as some cutting, pinning and ironing.
Anyone wishing to donate clean cotton fabric - even old T-shirts - should contact Anna at The Canopy - phone 4908 1140 or annad@thecanopy.org.au
Unlike single use plastic bags, Boomerang Bags keep being used over and over - and because they are made of mostly recycled fabric, are the ultimate in sustainable shopping bags. With Supermarkets promising to phase out plastic bags, the need for reusable shopping bags has never been greater!
Claire worked with several local Lake Macquarie community groups, to organise sewing workshops, during which volunteers made a growing collection of bags, destined to be provided free of charge for local residents to use when shopping.
However, when Claire had to recently move away from the area, the local scheme looked in jeopardy. But, in an almost seamless move, Anna Dowley and her team from The Canopy, stepped in to keep the scheme intact.
The Canopy is a non-profit organisation that provides multiple services for families, children and the community. The Canopy operates its administration from Cameron Park Community Centre but its services extend throughout the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle regions, including a shop-front in Cardiff's old library.
One of Claire’s first moves back in June, was to team up with CASNG, to hold Lake Mac Boomerang Bag’s first ever Sewing Workshop (you can read about that Workshop by clicking the link below).
Anna and The Canopy have built on that earlier good work, by teaming up once again with CASNG, to hold another successful Sewing Workshop in November 2017.
CASNG and The Canopy wish to thank Cathy & John, Louise and Amelia, Ruby, Anne, and Lorelle, as well as Anna herself, for bringing their sewing machines, expertise, ideas, and sewing up a storm on the day.
Cathy from Upcycle Newcastle joined us with her machine, and also passed on some terrific ideas about bag designs that are quicker to sew.
An incredible 32 Boomerang Shopping Bags were cut from donated fabric, pinned, and then sewn together during the Workshop - a very credible result, as most of the sewers had previously never sewn a Boomerang Bag together before.
A big thank you also goes to Cardiff North Public School for donating the school hall for this event, an excellent use of a community facility for community benefit.
CASNG was responsible setting up and packing up the hall, and keeping the workers supplied with drinks and something to nibble on, as well as some cutting, pinning and ironing.
Anyone wishing to donate clean cotton fabric - even old T-shirts - should contact Anna at The Canopy - phone 4908 1140 or annad@thecanopy.org.au
