Blue Jean Purses

March 13, 2010

Aren't these blue jean purses the cutest? (pictured) Alvina, has been one of my faithful sewing students when she's not working in the fields. I've been praying about what product I could create to launch her into a micro enterprise. Well, she is taking off with these adorable purses made from old blue jeans. They are lined with cute prints and trimmed with lace, ribbon and buttons. It seems like the perfect fit for her creativity as each bag is unique.

It hasn't been easy getting Alvina going. She never went to school, and as a result what some of us consider easy/basic skills can be a real stretch, for instance: measuring. She has been taking some reading classes the local govt. offers. Still, it's amazing how many things we really do learn in school and what challenges confront those who have never gone.

Currently, Alvina, her husband, and four children are living in a very small travel trailer (about 15 ft long) while they construct a house for their family. Her husband manages field hands for one of the farms nearby. Things are a financial struggle and Alvina plans to use the money that she earns from selling the bags to help with school expenses for her children and to help complete their house.

If you live near Chula Vista, please save your worn out blue jeans and Alvina will be happy to recycle them into something beautiful. Just think you'll be helping the environment while encouraging Alvina in her micro enterprise. Also, if you have ribbons, lace, button, appliques, zippers etc. that you want to send my way for the sewing class, just contact me.

Lori