Tales Of A Fourth Generation Textile Executive: I Can’t Believe The Stories I Am Hearing

In spite of not wanting to be the President of Giving Away Free Sewing Machines, I think that kind of happened naturally. I am proudly overwhelmed with everything that has transpired since I offered out free sewing machines.  The last couple of days I have been glued to my phone and computer in awe of the sad stories I am hearing.  I have been carefully reading what so many of you are saying and I have also tried to reply as much as possible….and yes, it is actually me who is replying…not anyone else.  There are so many compelling stories and I am going to do my best to giveaway a lot of machines to those that need it most.  The truth is that giving the machines away is like a drug for me.  It is euphoric to be able to help people who are down on their luck.  Not only that, but just imagine all the beautiful things that will be created by those who receive free sewing machines.

The problem, which really isn’t a problem, is that your requests are a little bit allover the place now i.e. they aren’t only on the blog as was supposed to have been the plan.  It has spread to our company Facebook pages.  This is all fine and well, but if you are planning on sending in a plea that you want to be considered by me, I would greatly appreciate it if it came through in the comment section on the Studioe Fabrics’ blog where I introduced the giveaway originally.  This is the easiest way for me to manage the madness so to speak and not lose my regular day job.  Here is the link to that original blog in case you were wondering where to find it.  Go to the way bottom of the blog, even past all the comments, and hit post comment and then you can post your comment.

I am absolutely floored by so many of the stories that I am hearing.  These are stories that you can’t even make up and situations are going on in America that I never even realized existed.  The world can be cruel sometimes unfortunately, but it can also be kind.  In this case, I am trying to be the one bringing the kindness especially to those who are enduring undeserved cruelty and suffering, whatever it might be.  I am saddened by these stories, but they are absolutely eye opening for me and I will be glad to know that I did a small part in helping just a little bit to brighten the world.  If I can get someone to smile for a second or feel good about themselves, even for just a minute, I will have contributed to making someone’s life just a little better and that is definitely a good thing.  Everyone does deserve some happiness in life!

Please keep the requests coming and make sure to share the message with anyone who might be eligible.  Try to only send in a request if you do not have a machine at all as those are the people that I am really trying to focus on at this time.  However, sometimes the emotions overrule everything else and someone does deserve an additional machine.  I plan to carefully review many of the requests that I have received and I hope to send out a couple more machines by the end of this week.  Before I wrap things up though, I wanted to give a quick shout out to the first winner and also wanted to name a second winner.

The first winner was Mary Burnette who does God’s work at The Polk County Texas Quilts For Comfort where she teaches sewing to some woman that are down on their luck.  She was definitely worthy of the first machine.  She was also fortunate to have been the first one to send in a request and had good timing because I was anxious to show everyone that I really was going to send out machines and that I was not messing around.  Congrats to Mary and the people of Polk County, Texas.  We can’t wait to see the picture of your face when you receive your new sewing machine and can’t wait to see all that you create.  Please post on Facebook for everyone to see and like.  Keep up the good work!

As I mentioned above, sometimes the emotions overrule everything else and right now I am going to name another winner (but I will have to confirm all the info is legit this week) because when I read her plea, I wanted to breakdown and cry because you know I can be an emotional guy.  This request came from Linda Yarrow of Conroe, Texas.  She made a request for Freedom House which is (HEAR THIS PEOPLE!) the first place young women are placed after being rescued from the SLAVE TRADE.  OMG!  Did she say SLAVE TRADE? I can’t even imagine, but I feel sick to my stomach nonetheless.  In spite of the Freedom House having machines already, I would have to imagine that everyone would agree that this place is deserved of another machine and probably so much more.  Linda, you will be hearing from me this week (email me your phone number to scott@jaftex.com) and I plan to make you my friend and do so much more for your great organization besides the machines.  These poor souls deserve everyone’s help.

So friends, in closing, I want to tell you all that no matter what happens here with the sewing machines i.e. whether you win or not, you should know people are being helped and you should never give up your efforts to help others in need.  In the end, some good things will have come out of tragedy and that is the best we can do.  Hoping that everyone facing tragedy and adversity is starting to get their lives back in order.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  So we say together “AMEN.”  Have a great week and be safe.

With Love,

Sewing Machine Scott

1023 words (so much to say!)