Tales Of A Fourth Generation Textile Executive: It Never Gets Old

October 8, 2018 /

This past weekend, I got back into the swing of giving sewing machines away for my Scott’s Free Sewing Machine charity program.  I forgot how good it made me feel to help others.  On the other hand, it made me so sad as I was reminded that the struggles are very very real for some people.  Tragedy and hardship is everywhere.  For some, this is a very sad world that leaves people with many unanswered questions.  The main question is, why me?  Why did this happen to me?  How did I end up in this situation?  Why?  Why?  Why?


For the time that I set aside to make calls, I was only able to get in touch with 4 people to reward them with sewing machines and all the other goodies from my corporate partners.  Before I delve into the stories about the 4 recipients though, I wanted to remind my blog readers that Olfa, Mettler and Fiskars all play an equally important part in this giveaway.  These companies send each recipient a care package of goodies from their respective companies.  I just wanted to make sure that everyone realized that I was not in this alone and that I have some amazing “sponsor” partners.  With that, a big shout out and thank you to the folks at Olfa, Mettler and Fiskars.  Hopefully my fans will support these companies for their generosity towards the quilting community at large.  Also, I am always looking for additional “sponsors” if you company wants to participate.

  • The first recipient was beaten and raped by a boyfriend when she tried to leave an abusive relationship.  The assailant used a knife in the attack and this poor young lady needed to be stitched up.  She recently learned that she is pregnant as a result of the rape.  The emotional impact on this young lady is so immense that she now needs to deal with the stress of police officers, detectives and lots of questions let alone the fact that she is pregnant and having the baby.  The emotional struggles are so bad that this poor lady is considered disabled by the state and receives disability benefits.  Friends, I can’t make this stuff up and I am tearing as I write this.  I ask, why her?  How could this happen?  How could someone be so cruel?
  • The second recipient was a thirteen year old whose parents both have been out of work for awhile.  Money is very tight and this teenager gets teased about not being able to do things all the other kids are able to do with better finances.  She requested the machine to help tailor her family members’ clothing so they could improve upon their appearances.  She wants to feel good about herself by contributing in a positive way to the family.  This is very admirable from a 13 year old.
  • The next woman was a domestic abuse survivor of 28 years.  Yes, 28 years of physical, mental and emotional abuse!  What the heck?  The abuse was so pervasive that this poor woman struggles to move around on a daily basis.  She finally did get away from the abuse in 2014 and the divorce was finalized in 2015.  And again I ask, how could this happen?  28 years worth of abuse?  Why?  How?  Who does this?  Why are some people so cruel and sick?
  • The last recipient is an overweight teenager.  Her weight is a great source of anxiety, stress and depression.  The sewing machine will allow her to hem and alter her clothing in such a way that will make her feel better about herself and hopefully help her gain some self confidence.

Now that we are all fully depressed, I wanted to tell you some good news.  I just got an email from one of my very early sewing machine recipients.  Do you all remember Emelia?  She was the one who was reaping the benefits of her new machine unlike any others I had heard from.   She impressed and inspired me so much, that we named a line after her called Emelia’s Dream by The Blank Quilting Corp.

Emelia recently celebrated her one year anniversary of receiving a sewing machine from me.  She keeps a log of her work and just exceeded 100 hours.  OMG!  I freakin’ love this.  100 hours is immense.  Imagine if all my recipients used their machines for over 100 hours in one year.  That is a lot of joy and hopefully a lot of stress relief and unfettered creativity.  Say it with me people…..amen to the #sewrevolution!

#sewrevolution

Anyway, Emelia spent her summer working on a costume for a character that she created.  She built the foam base.  She carved the head.  She designed a pattern (the blue picture that she covered with tape and then peeled off).  Then she cut and sewed it all together.  She also designed and made the tail.  Eventually she is going to create the entire suit scene in a concept art.

I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of Emelia.  I am also proud of all my other recipients as I am sure they are all reaping the rewards of having a sewing machine.  I would love if they kept me posted about their progress, but regardless, I know in my heart that they are all doing good and enjoying their machines and other sewing tools and goodies.

Have a great week!

P.S.  go here to submit a request for a sewing machine and don’t forget that the machines are for individuals (not groups), with no machine whatsoever, living in the United States who are suffering through tragedy and hardship.  This is the only way to submit a request.

 

23 Comments

  • Beverly Natiello Stillwell

    October 17, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Wow just read Scotts Oct 8th blog message. On my way to interview with this company today… I hope I do get the great opportunity to work with Scott his words and beliefs and concerns touched me. Wish me luck!
    ? I really need it.
    Bev

  • Barbara Esposito, The Quilted B

    October 11, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Hey Scott – let me just say how utterly wonderful your #sewrevolution is! You are a blessing to these people, and an inspiration to the rest of us to just do it! Reach out and make a difference. Your recipients may not all be Emilias, but you have touched every single life of the folks who received your generous gifts. Imagine if each one of us, this week, reached out to just one person in need…
    Thank you for continuing to inspire and make a difference.

  • Scott Fortunoff

    October 8, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    Wow Angela…you really have come very far. I admire your will and strength to endure all that you have had to endure. Take care.
    Scott

  • Janie

    October 8, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    Thank you for sharing your good fortune and helping those less fortunate!
    It is heart warming to read this!

  • cari Janssen

    October 8, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Scott, your good deeds, along with the other companies, are life changing. Your gift will give hope
    to folks who I believe may have given up on others. Depression and desperation hopefully will disappear
    over time with the joy of your gift and the creative happy moments of the future.

  • Karen

    October 8, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    This is such a wonderful thing that you are doing. I can empathize with these women as I suffered with years of emotional abuse before I gained the strength to say enough is enough and left. It’s not easy to walk out and try to make it on your own, especially when you have children to support, but sometimes it’s the best thing for them also. God bless these women who have gain the strength to make it on their own and God bless you for helping them by providing them a tool to help them.

    • Scott Fortunoff

      October 8, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      Hi Karen,
      Thanks for sharing your story. I understand that it is all easier said than done. It’s just sad to hear.
      have a great week.
      Scott

  • Cyndi Palmer

    October 8, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    Thank you for your generousity. You are such an amazing man with the biggest heart. This is life changing in more ways that even I can imagine. Thank you for everything you do!!!!!

  • Claire Sheldon

    October 8, 2018 at 11:15 am

    What a wonderful way to give back to the less fortunate. Had to close my fabric store due to increased rent & death of my husband & medical bills. Our ends of bolts & other donations were used for quilts for our local family homeless shelter for 6 years. Still make 18-24 quilts for them every year. Thank you for your wonderful gift to the less fortunate.

    • Scott Fortunoff

      October 8, 2018 at 2:11 pm

      Thanks Claire. Sorry to hear about your husband and the business, but great to hear that you are still doing charitable work. That’s awesome!
      Thanks.
      Scott