Maui’s Sewing Hui Expands Programs to Combat Textile Waste and Educate
The Sewing Hui, a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Maui, is quietly making a difference by expanding its programs to tackle textile waste and teach sewing skills. Last year, they managed to divert almost 2,000 pounds of textile waste from landfills.
With support from the Maui County Recycling Department, they’re relaunching their Sewing Sewcials, rolling out Beginner Sewing Workshops, and growing the Teddy Bear Project with big sustainability goals. Founded during the pandemic, The Sewing Hui started with mask-making and grew into a group that now supports everything from animal shelters to local schools.
This blog post digs into their mission, upcoming events, and how they’re weaving themselves into the fabric of Maui’s community.
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The Sewing Hui’s Expanded Efforts in 2025
The Sewing Hui isn’t just about stitching fabric; it’s about building a sustainable future and connecting people. They’re aiming to divert 6,500 pounds of textile waste in 2025-2026.
The monthly Sewing Sewcials return August 24, and Beginner Sewing Workshops launch August 17. Both are at the heart of these new efforts.
Monthly Sewing Sewcials
The Sewing Sewcials bring the community together to mend, restyle, and repurpose clothing. It’s not just about sewing—folks come to swap ideas, cut down on waste, and maybe even make a friend.
People are encouraged to bring clean, worn-out textiles for projects like the Teddy Bear Project. There’s always something unexpected being made.
Beginner Sewing Workshops
New to sewing? These workshops offer a relaxed, friendly space to pick up the basics. The focus is on making sewing accessible while keeping sustainability in mind.
Participants are asked to volunteer with The Sewing Hui within 30 days before the event, which helps build a sense of teamwork and purpose.
The Teddy Bear Project
The Teddy Bear Project stands out as one of The Sewing Hui’s most creative ideas. Volunteers turn discarded textiles into giant stuffed bears for organizations focused on children.
Last year, these bears ended up in schools around Maui, offering comfort and showing kids what sustainability can look like.
Impact on Schools
This year, each school gets two teddy bears: one stuffed, one empty. Students fill the unstuffed bear with worn-out textiles, learning firsthand about reusing materials.
It’s a hands-on lesson in sustainability that sticks with them.
Community Feedback
Schools seem to love it. Melita Charan from Roots School said the bear brought warmth and smiles to their community.
Feedback like this makes all the effort feel worthwhile.
Additional Projects and Collaborations
The Sewing Hui doesn’t stop at teddy bears. They’ve rolled out other projects, like making cat mats for the Maui Humane Society and starting a Textile Shredding Project with Mālama Maui Nui.
Cat Mats for the Maui Humane Society
The cat mats add a cozy touch for cats at the Humane Society’s facility. Since they detach easily from cat trees, they’re simple to wash and reuse.
This project supports animals and reduces textile waste at the same time.
Textile Shredding Project
In 2024, The Sewing Hui kicked off a Textile Shredding Project to handle fabric waste that can’t be reused. Now, the Clothing Collective Hui leads the effort, using local equipment to shred unusable textiles.
It’s another step toward a more sustainable Maui.
Community Testimonials and Future Plans
The Sewing Hui’s events draw plenty of positive feedback. Carol Schwarz, a regular at Sewing Sewcials, loves the support and expertise she finds there.
For her, it’s about more than sewing—it’s about connecting and learning alongside others.
Personal Experiences
Lantana Hoke enjoys the sense of community and the chance to pick up new skills. She’s found it’s a great way to fix clothes and meet people.
Linden Joesting likes that Sewing Sewcials are a wallet-friendly way to mend and repurpose clothing.
Broader Community Impact
Irene Gombac points out that The Sewing Hui touches many nonprofits across Maui. That kind of reach is rare and makes the group a real asset to the community.
Get Involved with The Sewing Hui
The Sewing Hui welcomes schools, youth programs, and keiki-serving organizations to reach out if they want a teddy bear donation. If you’d like to volunteer, request a bear, or sign up for a Sewing Sewcial or Beginner Sewing Workshop, just email The Sewing Hui at [email protected].
Want to stay in the loop about events and volunteering? Follow The Sewing Hui on Facebook or Instagram: @thesewinghui.
The Sewing Hui really shows what a community can do when folks come together. With help from the Maui County Recycling Department, they’re set to make an even bigger difference.
If you’re curious about their projects or want to jump in, check out more details at Maui Now.
Mahalo to the Maui County Recycling Department for sticking with The Sewing Hui and helping sew a little more sustainability and service into every stitch.