Hi Cuties, I had the privilege of being at the first sewing day for our Afhghani women refugees here in Newcastle today from 10.30 till 12.00pm.

I am asking for ideas for some easy sewing projects to teach these beautiful ladies that we can make on ordinary sewing machines. They have been used to the older Treadle machines. I took along the 10 minute pot holder and a very easy to make Apron in 1 hour (which can be done quicker than that). I also took along a pin cushion, my casserole carrier, an oven mitt and a tea towel that I had embroidery on, just to show them what can be done with an embroidery machine.

These families have come to our country with very little possessions. Basically the Taliban forbade girls/ women to attend school, so they have stayed home and learned craft from their mothers, aunties and grandmothers. We had 14 today with another 16 to come! So there will be about 30 on and off. They all have children and apparently there will be about 40 children to be babysat.

So would you all put on your thinking caps and come up with some great simple sewing ideas and we'll have a go at them. Love and blessings Chris