Ujamaa Grandmas Sale

The last time I was part of a lineup like this I think it must have been for a concert years and years ago.  I am not one to line up for Boxing Day or Black Friday sales but the Ujamaa Grandma Sale is worth lining up for!  When my friend and I arrived, this is how many people were in front of us in lineup - and we were almost an hour early.

By the time the doors opened the lineup behind us went down to the street and then along the sidewalk for quite a way.  They let in a limited amount of people, due to fire regulations, and then people stood in line to be let in as someone left. It was worth it!

So, what is Ujamaa Grandma?  They are an organization set up to raise funds and awareness for Steven Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.  The funds they raise provide help for the grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren, orphaned due to the AIDs epidemic in Africa.    You can read more about Ujamaa Grandmas do this on their website or on their blog

This year's Annual Fabric & Yarn Sale that I attended in Calgary raised .$31,000.00 in the two day sale of stash - unused fabric, yarn, notions, embellishments, patterns and books.

It is not possible to sell every piece of fabric, ball of yarn or notion so they have partnered with a variety of agencies and charities in Calgary that provide and give to many both locally and abroad; Mennonite Central Committee, Bibles for Missions, Dolls for Malawi, Victoria's Quilts in High River, Goodwill,Women in Need, high school fashion programs, small local programs with sewing projects.  These recipients of the leftovers continue the circle of caring and community

The goal of Ujamaa Grandmas of recycling to be green and not let anything go to waste is supported by another busiiness that even takes away their coffee grounds!
Much like a stone thrown in a pond, the ripples each out beyond the sale to benefit their African grandmothers and their orphaned children.  As they work in solidarity within their own community, they reach others both near and far.

"Each year, as we prepare for the sale, we wonder:  Could there possibly be any more fabric and yarn out there for this year;s sale?"  And magically it appears."

So, why did I go?  Besides supporting a great cause, think of hardcover needlework books 2/$1.00, fabric for a dollar a yard, patterns, notions, and so much more!  I spent $32 and it took me two trips to get it all out to the truck!  My favourite find from the sale?

This adorable little wooden sewing box!  I love putting pieces of stitching in little boxes I come across like this so will be replacing the green fabric on top with some crazy quilting likely.  For $2 how could I lose?!

Mark your calendar for next year's sale - you don't want to miss it!