Menstrual equity refers to equal and comprehensive access to menstrual hygiene products, and to the right to education about reproductive health, which both removes barriers to care and reduces stigma surrounding it. Flow Forward NJ is dedicated to taking steps toward menstrual equity, and one of their programs involves stuffing makeup bags to be donated to shelters, food pantries, and community groups to get period products into the hands of those who need them.
Flow Forward is holding an event in May with a goal of creating 500 Flow Kits. Executive Director, Sarah McClure, said, “Makeup bags are what we receive the least of, and we are always in need of them for our Flow Kits. We especially need them for our event in May. I would be so grateful if your sewing community could sew some bags for us to use!”
You can use any pattern or style in any fabric, but they should be around 6″ x 9″ and must include a zipper or button closure. They can use all kinds of pouches, so don’t stress too much about getting the exact dimensions. Here’s a great free tutorial for a zipper bag that fits the bill if you’re not sure what to make.
Fellow quilt pattern designers have sent along links to their own tutorials and suggestions for other favorits that you might want to check out. (I haven’t made any of these, so I’m not 100% sure that the measurements included are right for this drive, but most bag patterns can be easily sized up or down as needed.)
- Rotary cutter /scissors zipper bag
- Zipper Pouches in Minutes!
- Sew a Professional looking Boxy Zipper Pouch
- FREE bag pattern
- LINED Zipper Pouch Tutorial
- Open Wide Zippered Pouch
Jo Kuchera at Block Party Quilts has generously offered her shop as our collection point. Zipper bags can be dropped off in person during business hours or mailed to:
Block Party Quilts
attn: Becca
7 Wilkins Station Road
Suite 7-101
Medford, NJ 08055
If you live in the area and are interested in participating in a sew day, please email me at becca@sugarsandquilts.com.
Thank you so much!
