Upcycling to raise money for Nepal Schools Project

Maggi with Robyn, second from right.

Maggi and her partner, Robyn were our first clients to do the Monastery Trek in Nepal 20 years ago. She got in touch with us recently to tell us how she’s set up a new business and is donating some of her profits to the Nepal Schools Project. Here’s what she has to say.

“As soon as lock down began my cleaning business stopped and so did all my earnings.  I enjoy working and being self-employed so I was left thinking….

I like fabrics and could sew a bit, I wasn’t really skilled sewer though as I was always in a hurry and didn’t pay attention to finishing off or to detail and neatness!

With lots of time, the loan of a good sewing machine and lovely 50s and 60s fabrics from my daughter’s attic stash I started to make things. I made bags, aprons, little tubs and patchwork things.  Everything was up cycled from pre-used fabric.  I gave them all away as gifts to family and friends.

Inspired by my new skills and encouraged by friends who were critical and honest I thought I could sell my stuff.

And I was enjoying making things too, I could lose myself in the creation of lovely things, simple and useful.

It seemed like a natural outcome to donate 10% of all profits to the Nepal Schools Project. Robyn and I were lucky enough to go on the first Monastery trek with Kalsang and we have never forgotten the wonderful country and people we met.

So here I am, at the very start of a new way to make money and to be creative and focussed.  My Etsy Shop will open in mid-September!!!”

Maggi’s new business of making and selling upcycled produce bags and other bags will give 10% of all sales on a monthly basis to the Nepal School Project. If you are interested in finding out more you can email her at: maggiknowles@icloud.com