Sewing Continues Despite the Cold

This week the temperature dipped to below freezing and an inch of snow fell. But work continues in the sewing cooperative despite the cold because this is the busiest season of the year. Every weekend the women sell their beautiful products at churches in El Paso or Las Cruces. Frequently people call the house to come by and make purchases for Christmas.

In order to keep the inventory ahead of sales the women know this is not the season where they can close for even day. The room where they work has only a small gas heater which warms just one corner. Layers and layers of clothes are the order of the day. After an hour of work there is a break for hot coffee and some warm food--and then back to the sewing machines, pulling threads, tying the designs and finishing the products. Laughter warms hearts but not always hands.

Many of the women return to homes that are as cold as the workspace in the Center. The most common means of heating in Juarez homes is a small wood stove or a propane heater. Because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning heaters cannot be left burning into the night when the family is asleep. The only way to stay warm is to pile on as many covers as are available and huddle together. 

Though winter is a difficult time it is also the most profitable season for the women, the time when sales volume is highest because of the Christmas season. We hope you will find something special on our product page and support the women with your purchase.