‘Afghan Sewing Sisters’ Emerges from Women’s Sewing Program
Since 2021, Bridge Builders Network has been offering sewing classes to the women of El Cajon’s Afghan community. Initially, the goal was to help talented, newly-arrived refugee women with no luggage make their own culturally-appropriate clothing. The classes evolved to cover teaching topics designed to help turn these talents and skills into productive ways to help women support their families and engage with their new communities. By 2024, over 100 were regular participants. Each woman completes 8 sessions, from learning simple straight seams up to projects like tote bags and zippered pouches.
Many of the women had learned to sew on hand-cranked machines back home in Afghanistan, and here they learn to use an electric American model. Once they’ve completed training, they go home with their own gently used, refurbished machine, scissors, and other needed items.
Now, it’s time for these women to enter the market. But with business and communication working drastically differently in American compared to their home country of Afghanistan, much education and coaching is needed. From this need, the Afghan Sewing Sisters was born. With the help of faithful volunteers and organization partners, this group of skilled and dedicated sewing-program graduates are ready to take things to the next level!
The Mart
Some are accomplished seamstresses and asked if there was a way they could sell their creations, so our volunteers got to work.
In Fall 2024, we landed a spot at The Mart, a flea-market-style consignment store located near Zion Kaiser Hospital in the Von’s shopping center on Mission Gorge Road. Our group teams with local interior designers. They donate last season’s fabric samples which otherwise would go to landfill. The women use these, plus other donated fabrics, to create beautiful bags and backpacks, pillows, clothing, household goods, and more.
Our shop also features items donated by others in support of our program. Proceeds from sales go toward program expenses and directly benefit our Afghan neighbors. (If you have items we could sell, please use the contact page of our website to get in touch with us.)
Everyone’s invited to visit our stall in The Mart! After entering, head straight to the back of the store, turn right at the restrooms, then left into the open doorway. You’ll find us a few stalls down on the left.
Craft Fairs and Art Walks
In addition to selling at The Mart, we participate in local arts and craft fairs. In late November, we had our own booth at the first ever Holiday Art Walk on Main Street in historic downtown El Cajon where we sold many handcrafted items. We’re excited to have booked another booth in June for the upcoming Artivál Street Fair. Main Street will be transformed into an open-air gallery with over 50 artists and crafters (including us!!) from San Diego, LA, and Tijuana – as well as gourmet food trucks, live performances, and a cocktail garden. Mark your calendar for Saturday June 7, from 9-6 pm!
Etsy and Instagram
Finally, we’re working on creating an Etsy shop, so our Afghan Sewing Sisters will have an online venue for selling their handmade goods! A student organization from SDSU, Immigrant Aid Initiative, has teamed up with us to create the Etsy shop and to maintain it over time. We will share information as soon as it is up and running.
In the meantime, please visit us on Instagram to follow our progress and see what we’re up to!