Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!

January 28th 2012 Black is Beautifull turns 50 attend The Call to Action In NY or Online!

2012-01-22T20:46:00.001-05:00

No celebration is planned but we do have a call to action and expect Kwame Braithewaite and we're hoping one of teh original Grandassa models will attend! Few I mentioned this to were aware... so what has happened to Black Pride and our knowledge of our history! If you were born After the mid 1960's, You've always known Black is Beatiful! The phrase that defines the 1960's Movement that can be traced to the Grandassa models and naturally '62!

"Black is Beautiful' was the theme for the original Grandassa models of the “Naturally ’62: The Original African Coiffure and Fashion Extravaganza Designed to Restore Our Racial Pride and Standards ”.

I first interviewed Kwame Braithewaite one of the founders for a Kwanzaa event in 2006. It is only recently in speaking to Kwame that I realized what it meant! many Blacks, most of whom have used that term are unaware of it’s significance or the group of NY Artist who started a war cry that changed the world! The original "Black is Beautiful" Movement was a direct result of the BLACK CREATIVE COMMUNITY coming together to create change! I spoke to Kwame Braithewaite a few days ago and he stressed

“... we had no money... we used what we had "OUR RESOURCES"”

They are trying to pull the documentation together so our history is preserved...

It's Too late to Plan a celebration... But we can issue a call to action!

As part of Black Dress 2012 ( My return to listing designers using teh technology) … I am calling all Fashion & Beauty Professionals, Organizations, talent and service professionals who identify as “Black” to register discuss, celebrate and honor the’ Black IS BEAUTIFUlL“ 50th Anniversary!

Wikipedia cites

Black is beautiful is a cultural movement that began in the United States of America in the 1960s by African Americans. It later spread to much of the black world, most prominently in the writings of the Black Consciousness Movement of Steve Biko in South Africa. It aims to dispel the notion in many world cultures thatblack people's natural features such as skin color, facial features and hair are inherently ugly.^[1] John Sweat Rock was long thought to be the first to coin the phrase "black is beautiful"–during a speech in 1858–but historical records indicate he never actually used the specific phrase on that day.^[2] The movement also encouraged men and women to stop trying to eliminate African-identified traits by straightening their hair and attempting to lighten or bleach their skin.^[3]

This weeks curation at www.bkfff.com looks at “Black is Beautiful” and historical views on Black skin tone in a broader sense in preparation for the 50th Anniversary of the “Black is Beautiful” tagline we know today! Please share support and join us on January 28th 2012 in our call to action

Online Ticketing for Black Dress 2012 powered by Eventbrite

I was removed from @JustOff7thAve an @Meetup by due to my independent fashion "expertise

2012-01-19T14:24:00.001-05:00

I get refused a lot from Fashion Tech and Blogging groups... Thereis A lot of BS going on in Social Media! I fill out the profiles and then ... Tha cannot be proved but to be removed for my "Expertise... ". the truth is Indie fashion is a cash cow for many and my blog and "internet presence questions the validity of a lot of the BS.

!t's not race... This is a sister... so am I!

What bothers me is that this came form Checking my web presence!

Come to think of it I have been removed from a lot of fashion groups and list even though I don't speak up about the incorrect things said... I have been so busy I have not been able to respond to the recommendation to help one of the BIGGEST names in Fashion Tech and I have not called a Fashioncamp in a couple years!

The irony of this is that I am feverishly trying to pull together a meeting to commemorate the First truly Black fashion event and the 50th Anniversary of "Black is Beautiful" on January 28th 2012

I am an independent designer.. and an indie advocate.. I am about what's real and that is SELLING apparrel... but I swear in meetup groups I seldom post or open my Notoriously BIG mouth.. it's NOT the venue... I share news and tidbits and ask an occassional question... But lately I have been really busy!

The irony of this is that I am feverishly trying to pull together a meeitng to commemorate The First truly Black fashion Event and the 50th Anniversary of "Black is Beautiful" on January 28th 2012

I almost let it pass till I thought

"wait a second... who decides who is an independent designer... and is everyone here an independent designer!"

So I posted to the facebook Group and decided to post to the blog... Social Media is not a personal Soroity Club!

I use social media to help other designers so It bothers me to see this trend! The top right red and whit dresses are my designs top

--------

my response

I hope you are an indie designer a well as every current member including yourself or what you did is AGAINST the law! It’s called discrimination
I have endured discrimination for many reason s in fashion but for ‘Expertise”

Please explain the reasoning behind this move and why you did not reach out to me discuss whatever concerns! The irony is that an I am an Independent designer with a backgroud training and expertise to PROVE IT ! When I tell a designer how to run a business they make money! ... I will not search your profile to see who you are or your qualifications and i certainly would not remove you from a social media group because of it! that would be censorship and definitely "some type of "ISM"!

Censorship comes in many forms, but respect is universal and quite Black & white! Please note I will also send this to the meetup organizers and I’ll be Blogging about this today… The fashion social media Sorority club has to stop!

I joined the original Meetup group members perfectly aware of their business, I did not see them as a competitor there were part of the fashion tech independent sector I am passionate about… in social media the sectors work together

I am connected to you via meetup as the organizer you had my email - should anyone have any questions It was a simple matter to contacting meI am an independent designer twice awarded the best my design serices fallwithin teh custom and as such private sect clientele...

Yes i am a resource and I have responded in Good faith to inquiries as to my support posted on my meetup profile which I accidentally saw!

I am an advocate for the independent. I run workshops with proven track record of getting independent designers SELLING

Yes I am an EXPERT on independent design… but trust me scissors to scissors and drape for drape I AM Independent designer!

However

I never posted on my Business or Fashion expertise out of respect for the group leaders!

But How Dare you nopt only Check my Background but decide my role in Your group without speaking to me How many other did you run a background check on! I would think were your concerns for your meber you would be pleased to have someone with my background… unfortunately To many “expertise” is seen as a threat

.. then you decided to remove me..

did I violate some rule…

Well every current member including yourself had better be an indie designer or what you did is AGAINST the law! It’s called discrimination

I realize that your membership precedes my stepping up as

Organizer of this meetup. In an effort to provide optimal

support to the MeetUp/JustOff7thAve membership I am enforcing

the membership restriction to Independent Designers Only. In

review of your profile I noticed that you have opted not to be

on our mailing list. You don't describe yourself as an

Independent Designer on any internet listing your found on.

Even on the membership profile you posted in this meetup you

describe yourself as a Brooklyn Based Indie Designer who runs a

business of fashion workshop and programs.

In review of your profile and internet presence it appears that

you would more appropriately be considered a resource. I

welcome you to continue to engage our membership in that

capacity. Please feel free to announce your activities on

Facebook group and in other social media. I look forward to

continued mutual support.up group...

as a member of a group I contribute freely ... as a RESOURCE my rate are equal

Bonnie Sandy VM/TEXT: (646) 736-2984 www.bonniesandy.com

Making Sure Mom & Pop are NOT Left Behind!

Like Posterous I, BKStyle & Brooklyn Fashion Week support the open Internet. Please stand with us and oppose #SOPA.

2012-01-18T14:21:00.001-05:00

I signed the petition to Tell Congress: Don’t censor the web at http://www.google.com/takeaction/ Please share and feel free to post!

Many come to the web for what It can do then they turn in teh name of "profit" and try to eradicate the very essence that makes it effective! As a creative enterprise advocate I belive in IP rights, however I see first hand how self imposed restrictions;- mainly from lack of Knowledge hampers effective growth and development! So like Posterous and many other I support the open Internet. Please stand with us and oppose #SOPA.

Can Video Bring The Vibe & the Sales to the Local Online Boutique Shopping Experience | Bonnie Knows FAME Films & Frippery

2012-01-03T23:42:00.001-05:00

Can Video Bring The Vibe & the Sales to the Local Online Boutique Shopping Experience

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

There are a couple of things missing from the online Shopping Experience! One is the personal attention… but I’m from the Custom Boutique world so That may be a unique to that sector! The other is the “Vibe” every cool spot has a Vibe… every shopping experience has a unique vibe! So too every Trade event! A fashion show/expo can reach a couple hundred attendees… video can extend that!

via bkfff.com

A show and sale Platform for Creative Products services and merchandise powered by video and tele-presence! We've started on The Second Phase Pulling all the logistic together so what are they ...

PREMIERE VISION NEW YORK : one of Four sourcing Shows in New York

2012-01-03T21:20:00.001-05:00

via premierevision-newyork.com

Designers and yes stylists register & ATTEND the sourcing shows they are Free to trade Its a VERY vital start for your lines- There are Now 4 Shows in New York City -

Premiere Vision January 10-11,
www.premierevision-newyork.com

www.PrintsourceNewyork.com Jan 9, 10 and 11

Texworld USA - January 16-18, www.texworldusa.com FREE WSEMINARS

DG expo - February 6-7, FREE SEMINARS
www.dgexpo.net

Startup 2012 Online Video will explode and so will opportunity in the space!

2011-12-28T16:46:00.001-05:00

As of January My focus is taking local talent global and bringing Global talent local! 2012 I start the professional aspect of what Ido turning my exploration into product services and merchandise!and Yes I'm cutting down on the freebies!

If you need my help Sunday January 1sy is a Great time to explore what ioffer as an Option without the commitment... there will be others who understand and know tech to help at these Jellies so I recommend attending! A jelly is a sort of casual cowrking with a Coffee house vibe..

So Bring your laptops .. YOU are Here toi work!

I have been focused on bringing more wome, blacks and the " ethnic minority" into technology since 2005/6! I love video...

In 2012 Online Video will explode and so will opportunity in the space! but it means training, development and exploration! So I'm glad to see other efforts emerging!

At #NewMeCommunityNYC on Dec 15th it was a pleasure standing nect to so many Entrepreneurs dedicated To Startup in Tech Space.. I am not much into the Social Media scene... so many in attendence were new to me... I knew two-three individuals as part of the Barcamp Scene and a couple from Podcamp and the emerging online video space! Few attend hack... until recently I did not!

See the full gallery on Posterous

There was one hard core back end developer in the room (that I recognized) but unfortunately Dawn (Yes a Black female techie) who teaches at York College kept silent!

As I listened I was just glad they were there, seven years... is a long time to wait to see this growth! The fact is though they have beenin existence... it's connecting to each other that is difficult!

But I cannot help thinking...

WHAT YOU DO NOT Know will impede your progress!

Startup is not just about Venture Capital funding!

I'm interested in all forms of online video but particularly Telepresence and its use by creatives! In the last few weeks so many people have been calling for info... and they are always surprised at what they DO NOT KNOW!

We had been planning Black jelly for a while...

I love the Outpost and most days can be found there by those needing tech help! The lighting and teh volume also needs to be a bit different! Most blacks i meet love teh space but want a differnt menu and Music.. LOL!

Sunday January 1st pick my brain and that of others at a "Black Jelly" ... a Jelly is tech concept, casual coworking;- sort of what the coffeee house experience is for poets and creatives... It's a Working session so bring your laptops- 4-9pm our goal is to get you set up to functional and aware of whare to find info and what's currently going on in your niche; so you begin or continue your journey to your own business!

Online Ticketing for Black Jelly- Start 2012 working on your Startup powered by Eventbrite

We have Fun while we work

We Recommend you RSVP for Updates and software notes!

(FREE WIFI Free entrance food and drinks will be available!)

All are welcome... check details at http://blackjelly.eventbrite.com

One rule if you can help someone Step up!

Start The New year Working on your goals

The Alchemist Lounge

31 Rockwell Pl

Brooklyn Ny

This is Business so treat it as such

Arrive on time

4-5 presentation and discusiion

5-5:30 Intos and networking

6 till... open your laptops or old style notebook and create the next tech sensation!

Yes Entrance is free but be prepared to support the venue

Space has been a problem and we're really glad the Alchemist Lounge wants to explore their space as a meeting venue for tech startups during the day... come be part of the movement!

Do you Identify as a Black Designers- Stand & Be counted- Black History Month Project

2011-12-18T21:37:00.001-05:00

I Need to identify Black designers... if you know one please pass along if you are and this is a GLOBAL call Please list yourself! If You are curious as to what we are up to please register at www.BKFFF.com for news on our FEB 2012 Plans--- rember it's a Leap Year!

We also are curating Noir La Modé™’ NY Fashion Week 2012 see below!

the question of "Aesthetic..What is Black' that draws the passion! There are designers of African ethnicity who cover

· Skater/Street Wear (Trash and vaudeville)
· Modern/ Contempory
· Business Contempory
· Eco-chic Green- Green/ Sustainable
· Avant Garde
· Traditional Ethnic
· Modern Ethic
· Bridal/Formal
· Urban Wear Designers (hip Hop)
· Lingerie
· Accessories- Shoes, belt, scarves, Hosiery
· Jewelry/artisanal | Fine jewelry-precious metals | Watches
· The Wearable s

Wearable Art

Transformers--- Clothing that convert- modern take on ethnic shapes!

Zero waste

Wearable Technolog

Wearable Heritage – A HUGE economic aspect-

§ Cultural-

§ Ceremonial

§ “Spiritual ” vestments and other clothing

§ including Wearable medicine (yes I’ve heard & seen it)

o § Pageantry…

They can be found in the Designer/boutique, Custom/bespoke, Luxury & Mass Markets! So if you're a designer and interested ilisting please leave your name and email and link and we'll get back to you!

designers interested in Listing

Name

Download full size (52 KB)

Apply Now for Noir La Modé™’ NY Fashion Week 2012- to benefit the Urban League and Agape Haven! Featuring New York Fashion Week Runway show; Runway Soiree & Charity Auction at the African American Museum:- largest Sample Sale and Charity Pop Up Boutique One full store of Black Designers! http://bkstyle.brooklynfashionweek.com/noir-la-mode-designers-letter

SUE ROCK ORIGINALS HAS A NEW BLOGSITE!

2011-12-09T09:56:00.002-05:00

DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL

SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE INC IS NO LONGER AT THIS SITE

FOR MORE INFORMATION

YOU CAN FIND US AT

SUEROCK.WORDPRESS.COM

SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE!

Invitation To The Launch of Simon Duncan's Brooklyn Clothing Lab

2011-12-05T18:03:00.001-05:00

Please sign this form for guest list to Simon Duncans Brooklyn Clothing Lab Launch before Wednesday 7th at 12 midnight
the Event is Free
Loading...

Want to Model check http://Facebook.com/brooklynfashionweek for contact info

How Does changing Global Access Affect cultural IP?- Inspired by The politics behind the “fakeness” of textiles in Togo

2011-11-30T18:17:00.001-05:00

via howwemadeitinafrica.com

As an artist I appreciate IP protection... I firmly believe that an artist has full IP rights to his creative output! I however ended my reading of this article with an uneasy feeling that the commercial interest and not the artform was at the center of the debate!

I have to admit i was a tad bit uneasy about that!

However where is the line drawn with creative techniques! if a techniques is executed "properly" is it not "Authentic"? Given Creative license at what point is expressions less "valuable"! Should a brand or a Government even a people prevent An individuals creative expressions..simply because of geography?

... and what of INNOVATION; growth? it was unclear this article may be speaking on the "Traditional" patterns but are they so revered that there is no room for The "New"

In contemplating a global platform these (and other) issues have actually been raised...

Small Business Day To Cyber Monday access Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival Free

2011-11-26T18:58:00.001-05:00

Can small Local designers (and now dancers & other creatives) use video to present or tell their stories? We need your input! Please, register,login ,see, share and comment on The first 8 submissions for Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival now live at http://www.Bkfff.com/channel

The "trailers" are available for all to enjoy but note you will NEED to Register and login to access the videos!

BROOKLYN FASHION WEEK IS FOCUSED on SOLUTIONS and change... for a sector many have ignored!

Many keep trying to figure out how and what is Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival... the fact is we are openly exploring

Presenting formats for a collection of Fashion Films
Connecting Marketing and sales of product and sell through from those films
Expansion and use of developing and emerging video platforms and formats for creatives
Development and servicing talent that this sector would require!
Creation of one smoothe platform that simplifies teh process for designers and creatives!
How teh relevant Stake holders use and respond (So we need you to register loging, see, share and comment!)

Let me simply state that Not ONE Platform has proven to have a simple easy to navigate "natural" user interface! hen there is cultural perception s of "TV" or video... every female for example, "Had to get Her hair done" before utilizing webcam programs! Yes I even found myself with "he make up" routine!

The work now begins.. we are still waiting on a few submissions... we also are encouraging designers who would like to utilize video to join us... the learning curve is a bit steeper than we anticipated!

Read "What is Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival Aboutabout?

BaiFal Dream For Brooklyn Fashion Week Fashion Film Festival Trailer | 2012 Bkstyle!™ Brooklyn Feature Fashion Films

2011-11-26T14:20:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

Transcending language and geographical constraints; Senegalese Designer Mike Sylla based in Paris gives us a virtual rendition of the art, music, movement and creativity that is Baifal Dream! Join www.bkfff.com for early access to all videos!

The Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival (BKFFF), asked fashion independents to explores video for show and sale! Now in Alpha through January 1st 2012- http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/about/

See Participate Shop The items from the designers- (Coming Soon) check their cites or for a collective experience, submit a valid email to – register with a valid email at http://www.bkfff.com

You must be Logged in to view http://www.bkfff.com/channel/ (

Share & Connect FB- Twitter- Posterous- etc we Appreciate the support

Comment — Your input will help us shape BKFFF!

Show- or Contact Us & Check our Faqs http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/

Press & Trade for info on the Festival;, Dancehackit ; The Technology Sponsors or It’s other components, Designers Press/Media Kits http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/press-acess/

lauren luna For Brooklyn Fashion Week Fashion Film Festival Trailer | 2012 Bkstyle!™ Brooklyn Feature Fashion Films

2011-11-26T14:10:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

Lauren Luna is an Artist and who took the plunge followed her dream to Houston Texas and a Shoe Company! This is her business story! Join www.bkfff.com for early access to all videos!

The Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival (BKFFF), asked fashion independents to explores video for show and sale! Now in Alpha through January 1st 2012- http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/about/

See Participate Shop The items from the designers- (Coming Soon) check their cites or for a collective experience, submit a valid email to – register with a valid email at http://www.bkfff.com

You must be Logged in to view http://www.bkfff.com/channel/ (

Share & Connect FB- Twitter- Posterous- etc we Appreciate the support

Comment — Your input will help us shape BKFFF!

Show- or Contact Us & Check our Faqs http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/

Press & Trade for info on the Festival;, Dancehackit ; The Technology Sponsors or It’s other components, Designers Press/Media Kits http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/press-acess/

NYComing For Brooklyn Fashion Week Fashion Film Festival Trailer | 2012 Bkstyle!™ Brooklyn Feature Fashion Films

2011-11-26T14:00:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

With a Teenager at it's helm NYComing zones in on up and coming talent in fashion, music and creative scene! Join www.bkfff.com for early access to all videos!

The Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival (BKFFF), asked fashion independents to explores video for show and sale! Now in Alpha through January 1st 2012- http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/about/

See Participate Shop The items from the designers- (Coming Soon) check their cites or for a collective experience, submit a valid email to – register with a valid email at http://www.bkfff.com

You must be Logged in to view http://www.bkfff.com/channel/ (

Share & Connect FB- Twitter- Posterous- etc we Appreciate the support

Comment — Your input will help us shape BKFFF!

Show- or Contact Us & Check our Faqs http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/

Press & Trade for info on the Festival;, Dancehackit ; The Technology Sponsors or It’s other components, Designers Press/Media Kits http://www.bkfff.com/contact-us/press-acess/

See Donate Share fashion for food tune in now www.bkfff.com/fashionforfood

2011-11-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

now live from Kumble

shop till 6pm

Tune in NOW to see Dancer in Gambia, St Lucia, Vermont & new york perfrom together

2011-11-19T14:23:00.001-05:00

Head to http://dancehackit.com to get the password and link for virtual access Tune in AT 2pm est to see Dancer in Gambia, St Lucia, Vermont & new york perfrom together Live

November 19th See dancers From Gambia |St.Lucia | New York and Vermont Dance live In real time FREE

2011-11-18T20:10:00.001-05:00

DANCEHACKIT™ LAUNCHES NOVEMBER 19th

AT BROOKLYN’S KUMBLE THEATER for the Perfoming Arts

Movement, Music, Fashion and Technology Intersect in Virtual Global Performance

NEW YORK, NY, November 1, 2011—Computer hackers tweak technology to create unexpected results in cyberspace. With DANCEHACKIT™, Tony Award-nominated choreographer Marlies Yearby and fashionista/ tech guru Bonnie Sandy hope to create an extraordinary virtual performance, crafted by tweaking movement, music, fashion and technology on a global scale.

On November 19, from 2 p.m. until 4:30pm est, dancers from across the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and West Africa will perform to the same musical playlist, at the same time and in their own distinctive styles. Their improvisations will be remixed and streamed in real time on a wide screen to an audience at Long Island University’s Kumble Theater in Brooklyn (Flatbush Ave., between DeKalb Ave. and Willoughby St.) and online at www.dancehackit.com.

DANCEHACKIT™ represents a new synergy between arts and technology. “Existing at the intersection of movement, music and technology, DANCEHACKIT™ is designed to remove the limitations of location by being virtual and globally accessible,” explains project Director and Co Founder Yearby.

DANCEHACKIT™ will launch as part of the Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival (BKFFF). “Dancers will strut not only their movement style but also their fashion statements through collaborations between dancers and fashion designers,” notes Sandy, who serves as Director of Technology.

Dance performers/leaders include Tracy Lang Dance (GA), Baraka de Soleil (IL), Marlies Yearby and Love/Forte, and Janelle Mahone (Gambia). Music by Oliver Lake, Wunmi and Slow Commotion, Vernon Reid, Morley Kamen, Dei Free Range Music, Groove Lily, Chen Lo and others will be featured. Participating designers include Kuumba Designs (St Lucia), Melissa Lockwood of IQTEST (NYC). Full List and updates at http://www.bkfff.com/dancehackit/

DANCEHACKIT™ will end with a panel discussion with organizers and sponsors entitled Creativity,The Next Commodity: How Do Artists Master the Technology for Sustainability and Profit? "With Google launching 100 online channels and Comcast committing to at least eleven new channels, there is a need for innovative content. Artists have an opportunity to fill that void, but they first need to learn and adapt the technology. This is what we are doing here at BKFFF," says Sandy

Online Ticketing for DANCEHACKIT™ at Kumble Theater ofThe performing Arts powered by Eventbrite

BROOKLYN FASHION WEEK - A Brooklyn based & Virtual Show and Trade program, helping Independent Designers and in Fashion & Home, connect to Buyers, Boutiques, Shoppers, Bloggers & Press and Fans!

2011-11-16T22:09:00.001-05:00

via brooklynfashionweek.com

Designers and creative businesses who have been working with us are selling! That's our goal! So here's a Sneak Peak of BKFFF... Fashion, styling, accessories, workshops even a Trailer is on Brooklyn Fashion Week main site But to get the juice and to be invited online or offline... and you must register www.brooklynfashionfilmfestival.com!

designers are taking a while to meet the challenge but we'll be ready soon!
remember This Sessions goes right through January st 1 2012!
image www.pharaonicdesign.com

nKFFF is OPEn To Trade and consumers But to SEE the Fashion Films and get invites to events You need to register !

2011-11-16T21:54:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

register at www.BrooklynfashionFilmfestival.com
we started the intros to Buyers today.. Films are in and so are press packages ...well most of them! We are proud of the designers who met our challenge! Video is a Past work by one of our participating designers! Seminars & workshops are being taped... the public schedule is ready
But you MUST register

PRESS Get the Background Info on all the participants Choreographers, Dancers, Musicians, Vide & Tech Support o

2011-11-16T21:49:00.001-05:00

via info.dancehackit.com

An amazing group of talent come together in a fusion of Movement, Technology, media, fashion to FORGE A SOLUTION and celebrate community! take a look

SEE DANCEHACKIT™ FREE at Kumble Theater for The Performing Arts November 19th 2pm EST

2011-11-16T21:42:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

SEE TOP Choreographers and dancers form NY, Vermont Africa and the Caribbean "Jam" together Live and In real Time
FREE at Kumble Theater for the performing arts http://www.bkfff.com/dancehackit/ RSVP NOW

The above is a PAST Work by Dancehackit Cofounder MArlies Yearby!

Working with The Dance community has Been Amazing

Fashion For Food | RSVP today to Attend this Free Event and donate to help Brooklyn Food Pantries for The Holidays!

2011-11-16T21:36:00.001-05:00

via bkfff.com

Head to this link to rsvp http://www.bkfff.com/fashionforfood/ Space
Sunday November 20th
Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts Brooklyn
RSVP NOW Now Doors open 2-6pm Fashion Show at 3pm

Weekly Sewing Circle Becomes a HIT!

2011-11-08T19:12:00.005-05:00

For seven years, Sue Rock Originals Everyone has worked with and searched out domestic violence survivors at residences, organizations and in our communities.

At times the search has been heart wrenching. For as the donations continue to come in and the volunteers continue to share their amazing creativity - domestic violence is still an issue that women do not want to admit having gone through.

Many times the women we meet had been removed from their violent past for 5 - 10 years or more. This, it seems, is a safe space to admit to the reality of what had happened and though forthcoming, they shirk receiving donations......"Give to those who need", "I have what I need now","I had friends and family to help me - these women have nothing"

Such is the compassion of the survivor of this life.

Well it is through the diligent support of an organization known as the Center Against Domestic Violence that a breakthrough was made.

We now have a regular group of women coming to our design studio every Tuesday to learn how to sew, knit, crochet and so much more. These women have breathed a new life into our organization with their eagerness to learn everything.

Enjoy these photos!

Our current project is to complete the quilts which were created on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2011. These quilt tops were created by volunteers and will be completed by these women. Those who can sew will sew, those who do not machine sew will embroider, other women will iron - all working together to complete the 45 covers we have.

Once completed, the women will be able to choose their own for themselves and their children and the remainder will be donated to the Center Against Domestic Violence domestic violence residences!

If you would like to find our more about this or any other program at Sue Rock Originals Design Studio -

suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

(718) 781-4142

All Calls and contacts will be kept strictly confidential!

Sue Rock Originals fabric resources helping people in need around the world!

2011-08-17T16:41:00.006-04:00

And the hits keep on coming.
Sue Rock Originals Everyone will be helping out a Day for Girls sewing event sponsored by Bust Magazine and held at Otto's Shrunken Head this past weekend!

Seven yards of fabric will become bags for reusable feminine products being compiled for the Days for Girls Organization.
Days for Girls is a nonprofit organization providing washable feminine hygiene kits for women who would otherwise go without. Currently serving in 15 nations and growing.Volunteers around the globe craft washable feminine hygiene kits. Recent expansions include setting up microenterprises in communities enabling women to make kits for their community.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone fabric resources -
helping people in need around the world!

Working with BEL KAN - The Haitian Girls Camp

2011-08-09T16:40:00.003-04:00

Amazing things happen for those who wait...... you all know of the phenomenal turnout of volunteers for our Sewing for Haiti Event during Martin Luther King Day, 2010.

Well through a connection (made in heaven!), we are currently working with celebrity manicurist Myrdith Leon McCormick and Founding Director of United Initiatives for Peace, Diesa Eléonore Seidel to get volunteer created clothing to the girls attending BEL KAN and their families!

Take a look at this amazing camp!!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone on Brooklyn Independent TV!

2011-05-26T13:34:00.000-04:00

Sue Rock presented Women of Valor Award by Senator John L. Sampson

2011-05-23T16:35:00.006-04:00

On Thursday May 12, I was awarded the Women of Valor Award by Senator John L. Samson. For the past four years, Senator Samson has commended women for their role in uplifting the community. The awards are given in a variety of categories from Health and Human Services, to Education, to Leadership.

I was given the EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE award for my role as Executive Director and Founder of Sue Rock Originals Everyone! All of the Women of Valor received Citations of Honor from their City Councilperson.

As you can see the meeting room in Brooklyn College's Student Union was filled to the brim with attendees, political figures, family and well wishers.

As the program progressed, I was overcome with being presented with such an honor. Each woman spoke eloquently about their fulfillment with their responsibility in their community.....each story spoke so closely to my own.

Women spurring their children, and husbands and community leaders on to further efforts of improvement and enhanced self worth. We all agreed that we could accomplish SO much more with funding (LOL) however we affirmed that regardless - the work we did our communities was our passion and would continue even stronger!

What an amazing evening :))

SROE Presents Quilts to Domestic Violence Organization

2011-03-21T07:59:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2011

Rona Solomon 718 254 9134
rsolomon@centeragainstdv.org

Center Against Domestic Violence

Participates in

Brooklyn’s “Her-Story” Celebration

Brooklyn, March 20, 2011 – Center Against Domestic Violence, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office and Sue Rock Originals are teaming up to mark Women in History month at 12 noon on March 24 following Borough Hall’s Women in History Celebration.

The quilts were created by volunteers at Sue Rock Originals studio in Brooklyn on the third annual Martin Luther King Day of Service. At this Brooklyn event, 100 volunteers created quilts and afghans to present to the women who found safety in Center Against Domestic Violence historic Brooklyn shelters. When Women’s Survival Space opened its doors, it was New York State’s first emergency shelter for battered women and their children. Borough President Markowitz will celebrate women in history immediately preceding the quilt presentation ceremony by honoring exceptional Brooklyn women.

Founded in 1977, The Center opened the first publicly-funded domestic violence shelter in New York State. Since then, CADV’s outreach has expanded to include three full-service shelters for victims and their children, innovative education programs that reach more than 30,000 students each year, plus a variety of programs that support victims and raise awareness throughout the community. Learn more about CADV at http://www.cadvny.org/ .

###

Martin Luther King Jr Day 2011 - SEWING FOR SURVIVORS

2011-01-25T08:46:00.004-05:00

On Monday, January 17, Sue Rock Originals Everyone did it "one more time"! Textile artist and Organizer Extraordinaire Jeanne Heifetz of Brooklyn for Barack (yes they are still around!) and Organizing for America made sure that Sue Rock Originals was plugged into the volunteering efforts for the day!

And what a day it was - we had the idea of sewing volunteers but this time utilizing the Bag and Bags of fabric samples from Van Heusen. Why not have volunteers work on our "Three Hour Quilt"? The samples are already the right size, simply sew strips and Go!

It was one of the most phenomenal events we could have hoped for -

Some of the heavy hitters that came through:

Brooklyn Councilman Brad Lander and his daughter!

International R&B Vocalist Karen Bernod!

Freda L. Thomas - of the Freda L. Thomas Scholarship fund

Satchi acclaimed artist Predrag Milavanovic.

Enjoy what others had to share about the day - they put it together so much more eloquently!

The Daily Kos

Organizing for America

I Want Candy

SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE HOLDS MLK DAY VOLUNTEER EVEN

2011-01-14T19:06:00.002-05:00

Come on over and sew, knit, crochet and embroider as we create QUILTS FOR SURVIVORS!

1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues in Brooklyn, NY

Join your fellow New Yorkers in making warm quilts for families living in domestic-violence shelters. Often these women and children have had to flee their homes with nothing. Help provide them with bedding that is functional -- but also a labor of love.

We will have work for sewers (machines provided), embroiderers, knitters and crocheters (bring big needles/hooks if you can, but not required), photographers, videographers, bloggers, and people who just want to help by sorting yarn/fabric, keeping the operation running smoothly, etc. Yarn, fabric and snacks provided.

If you have a particular skill you want to mention, please add it in the comment section.

UPDATE: Given the overwhelming response, we will be dividing the day into two shifts.

This event is co-hosted by Brooklyn for Barack and Downtown East for Obama.

Needlearts Class Session for 2011 - JANUARY CLASSES

2011-01-07T07:48:00.002-05:00

OUR NEEDLEARTS CLASS SESSION FOR THE NEW YEAR -

JANUARY 2011

CLASSES SATURDAYS ONLY JANUARY 8, 15 AND 22

1:00 - 4:00pm

CLASSES ARE $25 EACH

All Materials included - make a completed project each week!

All classes are held at

Sue Rock Originals Design Studio

1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues

Brooklyn, New York

A/C trains to Nostrand Avenues -

Walk up Nostrand Avenue to Bergen Street, turn right

B65 bus crosstown to Nostrand Avenue

Please rsvp your attendance at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T11:31:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TO ALL OF THE WOMEN AND MEN WHO HAVE BEEN HELPED AND HELPED TO SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS

WE THANK YOU

CONTINUED SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY TO US ALL IN 2011

Full Moon Week at Sue Rock Originals Studios!

2010-10-24T10:22:00.018-04:00

.............having a design studio in the heart of Brooklyn is an amazing adventure - we often refer to it as "The Sue Rock Show" with its ever changing cast of characters.

Allow me to TIVO last nite's show back to you.

Last week, I had posted on Craigslist for Free Fabric and happily received around 12 responses back! Fantastic, I thought, and began hauling all of the small scraps and pieces to the front of the studio.

Now the front of our studio is the retail space where we sell our designs and raise funds for the organization. WELL!! Now it looks like a what not shop because of course "People are coming on Tuesday, our first day open for the week for FREE FABRIC" - Right?

WRONG - foolishly, I forgot that it is 2010 and the promise of doing anything at this point is not worth the paper it is emailed on! So Tuesday comes and Wednesday comes and still no pick up - well now its getting to be enough. When Saturday comes, I email everyone at the crack of dawn and let them know "LOOK we have free fabric you can come today!" and I posted the hours

The day started with going to Irondale with my son's acting workshop - then off to the studio to see how things were going.

When we got inside, there was still fabric all over the front store area (waaaaah how disheartening).

But..........in an hour or so.......Hold up.....there is someone coming in with a shopping Cart -

Why it was musician Veronica White-Pugh. Veronica is one of our amazing creative neighbors (you need to come out and Dig Crown Heights ya'll). Now invested in studying trumpet, she is a jazz bassist who has worked with musicians throughout the 1990's. She was attracted to our post because of her quilting hobby and also enjoys crocheting, knitting and weaving.

Next came a wonderful Egyptian woman with her son and daughter - they were wonderful. So friendly and engaging. Her young children marveled at all of the colors and items in our studio and helped her to pack the travel bag to the brim. She told me that she sews at home and makes cultural clothing for herself and her family. She thanked me and gave us blessings saying that the work we were doing was wonderful for women.

Now the folks were flowing in.......

In walks a diminutive Filipino woman with her husband. She took in the surroundings with her eyes and smile beaming approval at every turn. Then she turn around and saw the piles of fabric around her and gasped! I ensured her that she would not have to take it all :)) I was to find out that evening that our studio had been "grace" by the ubiquitous Grace Edwards, currently the underground fashion darling of the FUN and FABULOUS. Grace Edwards is an avant garde fashion designer that has hit the New York scene by storm. With her unerring sense of style and vibrant color her styles are a hit with socialites such as 94 years YOUNG Zelda Kaplan!

Grace and Jack were wonderful and as we left we made sure we were going to keep in touch - hmmmm could there be some awesome collaborations between Grace and Sue Rock?

Our favorite neighbor and treasurer for the Crown Heights North Association Valorie Bowers came by. Valorie is super special for us. She represents a side of African American life in Brooklyn that is almost lost. A resident of the Crown Heights area for over 50 years, she lives in the same house she grew up in. Whenever she comes over, its a guarantee for good times and great conversation!

Next was Aisha from Medgar Evers who brought us a Brother Sewing Machine!

Musician Chris Faroe the brilliant co-founder of The Catweazle Club New York came through during the evening seeking out fabric for his open mic/theatre/poetry magic fest that happens each week at A Gathering of Tribes in the Lower East Side.

As he went through our collection of fabric pieces, three women walked in with the HUGEST garbage bags. Well it seemed that our most recent volunteer Trish brought her friends over to see our space and to also bring DONATIONS and I mean DONASHUNS - Trish had been hit with the Sue Rock bug early on and had begun to get all of her family members to get in their closets and let go of some of there excess shoes and handbags. Over 20 pairs of men's, women's and children's shoes were all donated to us, are beautiful and in great condition!

This busy evening winded down with a walkin from writer Victoria Cho. Victoria Cho is one of our neighbors who has continued to bless us with her bubbly personality. An Asian native from Virginia, she brings a contemporary spunky vitality to everything she does and her brilliant smile lit up our studio. "VICTORIA CHO" we all shouted, as if she was on the ancient television series CHEERS and we all scoffed at her being too busy to stop by ("Oh yeah, working on graduate school - PUH lease! Like you can't stop by and say hi to friends!") She shared what was going on in her life, what with temping, a writers workshop and a burgeoning novel. I encouraged her to come by once a month maybe for a reading. (as long as she threw in some racy parts towards the end - you know to keep people coming for the next week!)

That is how it is at the Sue Rock show - great characters, cast members you are just DYING to see again and the constancy of Sue and Jay Rock, sewing, weaving, typing and crocheting around it all......

See you next week!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - but does anyone know?

2010-10-21T08:16:00.002-04:00

So I have been tracking the news for the past two months and in New York alone there have been over 12 different stories about domestic violence incidents which ended in tragedy. These are the stories that you hear about of course because dramatic and exciting, they do not speak of the months or years a women or her family lived in terror.

I have had the greatest compassion for those women who leave everything, believing that their lives are worth more than the material things in their lives. Leave everything - having faith that life will provide something better.

Did you know that right now nationally

- 1 in FOUR women have experienced domestic violence in their lives?
- Historically women are abused by someone they KNOW
- 1 out of three women who are killed are VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

These statistics are staggering. After the powerful years of the women's empowerment movements of the 1970's and 80's the fact that these statistics still ring true, only show there is so much more work to be done!!

Sue Rock Originals participates in TOYS FOR TOTS!

2010-10-20T06:55:00.002-04:00

Hey we have just been requested to participate in the TOYS FOR TOTS Program.

A wonderful neighbor of ours Chanel Maye has just requested that we participate in the TOYS for TOTS Program.

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys for Christmas. The program was founded in 1947 by reservist Major William L. Hendricks. to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a 501 charity located in Triangle, Virginia, serves to fund, raise funds for, and support the program.

What I hadn't realized was that Toys for TOTS has been around for so long. If you would like to participate in this program with us contact us at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com. We would like to get as many children as possible participating in this program and you are essential to making this happen.

The brilliant work of volunteer Andrew Eastmond

2010-07-21T22:32:00.005-04:00

Todays times require high quality text, high quality images and great connections. We have been blessed with some wonderful committed volunteers who love what they do! This card is a collaboration with the work of photographer Janine Addison of Draco Photography. Her work as a contract photographer for three top modeling agencies brought us into contact with stunning professional models.

Three years later, this work remains strong as the graphic arts of Andrew Eastmond and our mission makes the images sing! Our most recent donation was of a beautiful infocard for use with our promotional material. We formally thank Andrew Eastmond and the team at CBS Outdoor!!

But where else can I find Sue Rock Originals Everyone Items?!

2010-07-21T22:20:00.007-04:00

There are so many ways to support the work of Sue Rock Originals - recently a review of our blog noted that we had fogotten to mention so much of our work - mainly our contact info!!

For you dear friends of ours we can be reached atbut maybe its not volunteering you want but some fly Sue Rock Originals Gear - and in a hurry.

Take a look at our work on Smashing Darling

http://www.smashingdarling.com/store/sue-rock-originals

OR

Buy a share of our designs at the unique and innovative British site

CATWALK GENIUS

http://www.catwalkgenius.com/Sue_Rock_Originals/

Ooops, maybe Etsy is your style with vintage knit or crochet patterns -

Well you can support us there at http://www.etsy.com/shop/suerock?ref=seller_info!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

IQONS is a brilliant fashion site which evens the playing field between connecting with fashion professionals at all levels - www.iqons.com/sue+rock is where we can be found there.

But as always our work can be supported by your donations on Paypal:

suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Or directly at

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
50 East 18th Street Apt. A8
Brooklyn, NY 11226

All donations are tax deductible.

Donations to Safe Horizons with success!

2010-06-11T12:44:00.005-04:00

When we began this adventure of philanthropy without funding whatta concept we were naïve enough to think we were joining an army of do-gooders who tirelessly worked to support people eon need. The 1970’s ad 80’s had brought a wellspring of brilliant non profits from youth, women, African Americans and Hispanics not to mention the gay and lesbian populations that have grown to serve the entire population.

Unfortunately this is not the case in 2010. Non profits are big business. Stretched to the limits with funding and filing responsibilities, most do not have the time or the staff to create programs for their populations.

Our donation drive held the week after Mothers Day was heartwarming as it was illuminating. This year we again partnered with Safe Horizon. I had great anticipation at meeting the residents. And why not? Now I would be able to share the hopes of their participation in our Domestic Violence Empowerment Series. I could share the beautiful items created and get first hand responses. The day began with two of our original volunteers stopping by to visit – Ramona Kearns and Al Asia Shelton – it was kismet!!

When I arrived at the residence I was welcomed by the director and social worker. Sue Rock Originals Everyone brought 12 huge bags of hand knits, donated clothing, shoes and purses. We also received a shopping bag full of hotel size toiletries, a generous donor collected from amongst her friends (truly a brilliant idea!)

When we settled into the common room, I situated myself among the women (and one man!) and began to speak…….

As I spoke the women looked at each other……

The one man left the room visibly moved…….

I told the story of our loss and how Sue Rock Originals Everyone seeks to assist each resident at the level they are able to receive help at this point. No questions need to be asked. No invasive forms to be filled out. Just come and receive the plentiful resources that are available to enable them to replace all the items they had left behind. Giving them the skills of their grands and great grands….

I then encouraged everyone to select the items I had showcased around the room (to their amazement)….

And then the tears began to flow……

Speak with the social worker who had facilitated my visit, she said over and over

"You have no idea what this has meant to these people. To give so generously of your time and bring handmade items for everyone is just amazing. These women have stories you would not have wanted for your worst enemy. And you just spoke to them from your heart – for some the first time since they have left that someone spoke to them like a human being”

I was curious as to what the feedback was form other groups who had come by and I learned the sad truth –

NO ONE comes by to help or provide services…….

These comments were received by residents of the Safe Horizon residence SROE visited. I feel that their words speak volumes.

I want to thank Ms Rock for coming over and sharing the things she brought over. The program is very exciting and wonderful to hear how there’s a program out there that is willing show us and help us. She didn’t know me and made me feel welcome.

I Love the styles, new colors, color mixes, the shape of the ideas bring out the personality in people’s styles. It also leaves hope for the future and a chance to give back.

Ms. Rock introduced to us a window to learn how to make our own apparel and décor for ourselves. She was very informative and very kind in giving us sample so what people have made and donated.

I am planning on going to this program. I am interested in learning how to make curtains, clothes, etc and I thought Ms. Rock gave an incredible presentation.

And finally

Ms Rock I truly appreciate your innovative approach to helping and supporting the DV community. I’m inspired and motivated by your idea. THANK YOU TRULY AND SINCERELY you’ve made us feels acknowledged and appreciated!

And that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?

Sue Rock Originals Trunk Show and Rent Party

2010-05-22T16:04:00.000-04:00

Get first dibs on our spring collection
Pick up hot spring tees and jeans from TBA
and enjoy delicious food, beverages and great music
at Sue Rock Originals

YOUR DONATIONS SUPPORT OUR WORK
HEALING SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

SPRING TRUNK SHOW AND RENT PARTY

Donation - $10

Saturday, May 22 8:00pm - 1:00 am

Sue Rock Originals Everyone
Design Studio
1069 Bergen Street
Between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues

Sue Rock Originals Spring 2010 Collection
Urbanwear by William Fleet's TBA
Jackets and Skirts from Takeyah Jerome
By Kids For Kids Ceramics
Designer Men's Shirts (BCBG, Tommy Hilfiger, Sean John and more)
Crystal Chip Necklaces
and MORE!

The young women of SCO come to SEW!!!

2010-04-15T17:34:00.004-04:00

The joy of doing filing is discovering old papers - Sue Rock Originals received a thank you from Safe Horizon's Director FIVE years ago. It has been five years that we have been collecting fabric donations, meeting wonderful people and most of all servicing women who have left their homes to explore a new life of peace.

Most recently we had an opportunity to work with young women who were currently homeless and living in a residence run by SCO Family of Services. According to their website "

SCO Family of Services has been caring for New York’s most vulnerable children and families for more than a century. Each year, we touch the lives of more than 30,000 people at 122 locations throughout New York City and Long Island.

Among our many services, SCO helps families devastated by poverty, children suffering from abuse and neglect, children and adults with special needs, and homeless families. SCO also provides innovative after-school programs and schools for children and teens with special needs. Additionally, SCO runs three neighborhood community service programs located in Brooklyn and Queens that provide a comprehensive range of services to sustain and nurture the family, thus ensuring the well-being of the community’s children.

The girls who came last Saturday came to offer Community Service and they got MORE than they bargained for - After light cleaning, they settled down and ALL LEARNED HOW TO SEW FOR THE FIRST TIME!!

Enjoy these photos!

FUNDRAISING DAY - MARCH 20, 2010

2010-03-19T09:16:00.002-04:00

For five years, Sue Rock Originals has pursued a higher mission -to support and encourage women who leave the cycle of abuse by providing them with new clothes and an opportunity for self-sufficiency.

WE NEED TO RAISE FUNDS IMMEDIATELY OR WE WILL HAVE TO CLOSE OUR DOORS. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Since receiving our current studio, we have held weekly sewing and crochet classes, continued to receive fabric and materials donations and created a Domestic Violence Empowerment Program which provides textile training to domestic violence survivors. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we successfully rallied over 200 volunteers at our studio to create 250 skirts for Haitian refugees.

The Press and Radio responses have been fantastic, as daily people come to learn and experience Sue Rock Originals

YOU CAN DONATE on SATURDAY, MARCH 20. WE WILL BE RECEIVING DONATIONS FROM 11 - 4:00pm AND WILL BE RAFFLING A BEAUTIFUL SPRING ITEM FOR ALL THOSE WHO DONATE $5

YOU CAN EVEN HELP US GET THE WORD OUT. SHARE THIS EVENT WITH FIVE FRIENDS AND LET THEM KNOW THEIR DONATION OF $5 WILL HELP SUPPORT THE LIFE OF A WOMEN AND HER FAMILY.

Thank you Greatly

(Donations can be accepted via Paypal at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com)

We have FOUND AN ORGANIZATION for the Haitian Sewing Project!!!

2010-03-08T18:57:00.002-05:00

From the beginning our Sewing for Haiti project was aimed to create clothing for the women and girls who had survived the Haitian Earthquake. But there was something more. After seeing what happened in Katrina, with the Tsunami and other recent natural disasters, it was self evident that though financial outreach is "tsunami-like" in the beginning, people are not without their amnesia.

Time passes, stories change and life moves on. Consistenly during the tragedy in New Orleans, I thought of the children who were still separated from their families months later. Or of how people would not remember that there were still people seeking clothing and shelter where they had relocated. The sheer volume of the fabrics that had been donate spoke to reuse and revitalization - both for the people who would be willing to create the new items and for those receiving them.

After the phenomenal outpouring of support by men, women and children for the people of Haiti - our next step was to keep our ears to the gound and listen for those organizations which had shown their commitment to the Haitian people in the years before the earthquake.

Our research introduced us to an Italian dynamo - Mike Fedele - Founder of Life for the World.
Life for the World has been in Haiti for the past nine years running an orphanage and connecting with the community of Matelas, Haiti. What impressed me with Life for the World was their direction connection with Haitian people. Their organization (based in Indiana) had satellites in New York who had gone down without fanfare at least 6 times since the earthquake, checking on their orphans, and the people in the community. They assisted in 14 drops of food with NO incidents and had web coverage of everything.

When I spoke with Mike his passion was infectious. He encouraged me to send the images from the Sewing for Haiti event which he posted immediately on their site and tearfully overwhelmed AGREED TO ACCEPT OUR DONATIONS TO BRING DURING THEIR NEXT TRIP TO HAITI!!!!

Check out their site and make sure they feel your love!
http://lifefortheworld.com/blog/

"New York Group Arrives with More Food and Tents
Haitian-American supporters from NY just arrived at Maranatha via the DR for their 2nd humanitarian trip. They brought 60+ tents, donated by individuals in NY, as well as by Tent City. Thanks to the New Yorker’s for providing our Haitian neighbors with a home! NY York Team also filled the bus with more than 6,000 lbs. of food. Crossing from the DR was difficult this time, as the border patrols are now regularly shaking down folks bringing in humanitarian aid. A couple of tents were sacrificed to this process."

SEWING FOR HAITI brings over 200 people together!

2010-01-27T07:57:00.004-05:00

On January 18, 2010, Sue Rock Originals Everyone made history by calling on volunteers to create wrap skirts for the survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Men women and children from all walks of life answered the call and in a mere 8 hours bonded together to create over 250 skirts.

As the people poured in, some with babies in tow, some with sewing machines, the fabric was passed from hand to hand. People sewed sitting at machines, on the floor and standing up. When the studio reached capacity, people found nooks and crannies to fit themselves and continue working.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone will have sewing machines up for the month of February and will quality control the skirts throughout March. With our ears to the ground, we are looking at organizations who have established themselves in Haiti and are familiar with the ins and outs of distributing items to the communities. These organizations will be in place at the Tent Cities now growing and will have need for new clothing for these women and children.

Sue Rock Originals Design Studio
1069 Bergen Street
between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues
Brooklyn, New York 11226

All donations can be made
via Paypal at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

For volunteering
Hours of Operation Tuesday through Saturday
11:00 - 6:00pm

Why We're Here

2010-01-18T11:55:00.004-05:00

Sue Rock's store, a long narrow space on Bergen Street, has the eclectic look of a well worn workshop, overflowing with fabric, bobbins, thread and a mirror ball at center with a red frieze running the length of the store. Her call for volunteers to make skirts for Haitian girls and women has attracted an equally eclectic crowd--a student from Ithaca, a parks supervisor from Manhattan, a Brooklyn computer programmer, and dozens of others. The shop is crowded with some people working outside -- happily, the weather is definitely on our side -- but the sense here is relaxed and there are even moments of that kind of quiet that comes from people concentrating on their work.

Some of the volunteers came because they were looking for Martin Luther King Day volunteer opportunities. At the fabric sorting table, Igor, who works in advertising, said he found Sue Rock Originals through the MyBarackObama web site as did Charlene and Jessica. Charlene, whose family comes from Barbados, and Jessica, with family in Haiti, had wanted a chance to help give relief after the earthquake but wanted to do something more besides sending money. Lauren, another of the fabric sorters, was surprised that there were so few opportunities to actually do something for Haitians besides donating money.

Shirley, who is waiting for a chance to sew, brought her two children, Cheyenne and Zavier, to the event because, as a Haitian American, she wants to find some way to help while also exposing her children to a volunteer opportunity: "As long as Cheyenne gets a chance to sew, I'll be happy."

Natasha came because she had volunteered for Sue last year, and via facebook, learned about the event today. She's working on an industrial machine hemming a butter yellow material that will become one of the 500 skirts the Rocks plan to send to Haiti. The skirts will be sarong-style: "Making a button hole would take way too much time," she said.

Sue Rock Originals - Sewing for Haiti

2010-01-18T11:25:00.003-05:00

So this is my first time blogging and about my fifth time sewing. Who knew the two would ever come together like this? Sue Rock has organized volunteers to come together on MLK Day to sew wrap skirts for Haitian women who have lost all of their possessions in the earthquake. There are about 40 people here in Brooklyn from all over NYC, all ages and ethnicities, with all levels of sewing skills, and lots of good energy. Right now we're getting everything set up (threading needles, sorting and cutting fabric, drinking our coffee and getting to know one another) so that we can start in on the project. Sue is thinking about the long-term needs of Haitians to make sure that as time goes by, when the world has moved on from responding to the crisis, we can keep having something to give to help make people's daily lives there a little better. She's also introducing people here to new and forgotten skills (witness me blogging and sewing). Thanks Sue, for creating a great way to spend MLK Day.
-Sarah Peterson

SRO SEWING FOR HAITI - MLK DAY OF SERVICE EVENT

2010-01-14T08:09:00.002-05:00

ALL THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PROVIDING DIRECT SUPPORT:

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

January 18, 2010

10:30 am - 6:00pm

Sue Rock Originals Design Studio

1069 Bergen Street

Between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues

Brooklyn, New York

Volunteers who can cut, sew, fold fabric, pack boxes and enjoy working together should come to our studio.

THE STUDIO WILL HAVE PERPETUAL SEWING MACHINES AVAILABLE AFTER THE DAY OF SERVICE FOR CONTINUAL SEWING OF CLOTHING FOR SURVIVORS OF THE EARTHQUAKE.

Our Hours of Operation are

Tuesday through Saturday

11:00am - 6:00pm

In honor of our wonderful Volunteers - HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2009-12-06T09:57:00.005-05:00

The ladies from Urban River Arts!

As we come to the end of our first year at the studio - there are SO many people to thank. You see this whole thing is an experiment in "YES WE CAN". Is it possible to share the creative process with women in crisis and have it come together with all people?

And what we have found is YES, it is possible! Enjoy these photos of the men and women who have contributed so very much to make everything at Sue Rock Originals Everyone happen. People from all walks of life who have come at different phases to lend a helping hand and encourage us to keep doing what we are doing :))

Students from High Schools in New York City, volunteering during the summer!

Our co-director& fraternity brother Marcus - this summer his contributions were invaluable!

Bill and Russell made the front window happen, removing so much wood we could have made a tree house in the back on one of our maples!!

One of the most dynamic contacts this year, Professional Organizer Gen Wallace Roe and her daughter, bringing more donations to Sue Rock Originals Everyone!

Here we have Yuliya Khripukova from AHRC and two administrators. These women, working with the developmentally disabled, crocheted and sewed donations for Sue Rock Originals Everyone - AMAZING!! Here they are picking up the materials they will need for their contribution :))

Here are my daughter's crew - these young women (and my son) are some amazing painters and showed their skills working on one of the rooms we needed repainted - Go Girls!!

Diana Lau, Philanthropy Chair, Theta Phi Alpha Pratt University who is currently knitting items for us for the Spring.
Artist Kenya Robinson and fiber artist Katya Usivitsky who will be developing an art show with the needlework contributions of the summer

And the wonderful Allison Sciplin, Ohio native, Chicago transplant living in New York who has stepped in to make amazing things happen for us this year. She has lovingly committed to becoming out grantwriter and developing our strategic plans for the future.

The year began with the passing of my father. In the process of developing this center, the love support and creative interactions are something he would been encouraged and amazed by. We look forward to sewing classes for the winter, crochet and knitting classes for the community and continued connection with domestic violence survivors.

And of course -

We look forward to meeting you!

Come on by our Design Studio

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
1069 Bergen Street
between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues
Brooklyn, New York
Tuesday through Saturday
11:00 am - 6:00pm!

"So what do we need?" - EVERYTHING!

2009-11-16T17:50:00.002-05:00

Many of our knit and crochet volunteers ask what we need created for domestic violence survivors. Well the answer is simple EVERYTHING! .......However, when volunteers begin to create, the answer becomes a bit more specific when we look at the condition of survivors of domestic violence living in residences.

When a woman enters a residence, whether as a single woman or a mother, she usually enters with the clothes on her back and her identification in a plastic bag. Once she is placed in an apartment, she is brought to a room or basement area where all the clothes that have been collected have been stored. There, she may have to rifle through bins of clothes that have not been sorted, or go through racks of folded clothes that are out of season or ill fitting. This, after she has made the most difficult decision in her life.

Though the apartments are generously outfitted due to corporate donations, they are utility apartments nonetheless, craving a personal touch.

For domestic violence shelters, there are a bounty of donations for children but rarely are there donations geared to the women themselves. Sue Rock Originals Everyone fills that gap!

============================================================

So lets think - What would you need if you walked out the house never to return? Well yes there is the eponymous "hat and scarf set" however what if it is summer. Just how long is a tank top, jeans and flip flops acceptable attire for work, school and shopping? These are the questions that force women to return home where though there is violence, there is at least normalcy and YOUR STUFF!!!

We encourage our volunteers to choose from the following types of items:

Wardrobe Extenders

Vests

Ponchos

Wraps

Shrugs

Capelets

Apparel

Sweaters

Tops

Skirts

Jackets

Accessories

Scarves

Purses

Pocketbook

Handbag

Cellphone/Blackberry case

========================================================================

These items are just the beginning. We have had one volunteer who specially designed bags which would be perfect for documents and could hold 8 1/2 x 11 paper without folding. Another volunteer created a magnificent car coat with matching paper boy cap! What we find most of all is that volunteers - challenged by the types of projects we are requesting - are motivated beyond their comfort zone to design and create unique original items they may have never considered

We hope you will contact us and consider volunteering to make something wonderful for a woman in need. She has made that powerful and courageous first step - your creativity can make a difference in her life!

Sue Rock

2009-11-02T20:24:00.001-05:00

SAVE THE DATE NOVEMBER 14, 2009 RENT PARTY

2009-10-29T08:41:00.002-04:00

SAVE THE DATE

RENT PARTY

Sue Rock Originals Everyone

SATURDAY 11/14/09

Goodie Bags for first 75 people

$10

1069 Bergen Street bet Nostrand and Rogers Brooklyn

So what do you do when there is NO ONE to donate to?

2009-10-28T17:51:00.003-04:00

So.........

With a trunk full of donations.....

and my last $20........

I head off to (unnamed) domestic violence shelter to bring donations that have been presented to SROE for the past three months.....

For women in crisis.......

An appointment that had been scheduled ahead of time......

Three blocks away, I get the call in the cab....

"Oh......so you ARE coming.....well....its just that.......welll.......there isn't anyone here..."

WHAT?

So how many women were there?

"two"

TWO?!!!! Don't you let people know, I mean, wasn't there any announcement?

"well, yes we DO send out flyers and its just that women have appointments and some of the women were sick and they go out and well.....We can't KEEP them here......its just the way it is......that's part of the problem, we try to have programs here for the women and then we only have one person come..... But we can schedule for next week....."

Ah yes NEXT week - however, NEXT week isn't Domestic Violence Awareness Month is it? no.... now that I think about it NEXT week its NOVEMBER hmmmmm......... and we have all these donations......

Lets go over the list......

DV shelter 1 doesn't take donations (other than monetary), DV shelter 2 doesn't allow you to even come to the residences but takes donations at the door of their office (?!! hugely satisfying - NOT!) and now this.......

The disappointment is beyond description.......

Thank you all for your continued support - just wish it was appreciated by the organizations we are trying to service.......

Domestic Violence Non Profit features Needlepoint Show in New York

2009-10-26T07:59:00.007-04:00

On Saturday, October 24, we held our first Needlepoint Show, featuring the unfinished works of donor Bernard Kleban. Bernard Kleban was an active dynamic man who pursued needlepoint during his retirement. He and his wife June owned a needlepoint store in Arizona during the 1980's and his love of this needleart was allowed to flourish.

We received these canvases from June through personal organizer Gen Wallace Roe, who met us through Materials for the Arts. The relationship was established earlier this year and has grown into something wonderful.

When Gen brought up the unfinished canvases in September, they were so profound and detailed in their creativity, they begged for exposure to a greater audience. A simple comment "This needs to become an Art Show" became reality when we met Allison Sciplin, writer for the blog Grace, Love and Politics and volunteer grantwriter for our organization. Allison responded to our posting on the Idealist website and when enthusiastically showing her the canvases, she generously donate the yoga studio she works at - Three Jewels Yoga Studio.

Three Jewels Yoga Studio is a beautiful space. Three Jewels functions as a meditation, Heart Yoga, Dharma and Outreach Center for the community. They not only hold Yoga classes but features free meditation, various events from other progressive organizations, guided meditations by Llamas throughout the NY area. With volunteers and friends, we put up the canvases and prepared for a beautiful art show.

We welcomed Deirdre Biallo-Padin and her husband who attended the show. Deirdre Biallo-Padin is the Chief of Domestic Violence for the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. We have developed a wonderful relationship with her and it has been 3 years of receiving donations from the Family Justice Center.

The surprise for the evening was meeting the grandson of Bernard Kleban. Harry is currently attending New York University and stopped by to see the beautiful exhibit. "I didn't know there was so much work!"

NEEDLEPOINT SHOW AND FUNDRAISER FOR SUE ROCK ORIGINALS

2009-10-23T08:08:00.002-04:00

Well, I know you will be coming to our first full out fundraiser for Sue Rock Originals Everyone. Our host is Three Jewels Yoga Studio a beautiful space conveniently located in the middle of Greenwich Village at 61 Fourth Avenue at Ninth Street (that's the #6 and R trains). There will be beautiful needlepoint, free wine and cheese and interesting people.

It only $20 and your donation will support our work providing new items for survivors of domestic violence.

We look forward to seeing you there!~

Domestic Violence Support - Handcrafted Clothing Donation to Center Against Domestic Violence

2009-10-11T22:04:00.008-04:00

We are so excited about our upcoming donation drive - if you haven't seen the photos they are posted on Facebook . Its truly wonderful to see just what people come up with.

We have received some beautiful clothing to present to the women at Women's Survival Space - one of the three residences run by the Center Against Domestic Violence. The Center Against Domestic Violence is a key part of this story because were it not for their efforts, there would be NO residence to donate to!

According to their history:

The Center Against Domestic violence was founded in 1977 by a group of pioneering women who understood that domestic violence was not merely a family matter, but a crime and a violation of human rights. The new Center Against Domestic Violence opened the first publicly funded domestic violence shelter in New York State, Women's Survival Space. Through innovative programs offered with dedication and respect, the Center works to fulfill its vision of a world free of relationship abuse and violence. The people who come to the Center may be battered but they are not beaten. With the support and services it provides, the Center Against Domestic Violence bears witness every day to people transforming their lives..

So let me get this right, before 1977 (32 years ago) there were NO publicly funded domestic violence shelters? What did women do? Where did they and their families go when they had their lives threatened or when their children's lives were on the line? It is with this outstanding history that we made our decision to donate to one of the residences that they are responsible for.

The reality of domestic violence is that women do not leave. Even in 2009, there is no press or news coverage of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Where are the 10k races or rallies. Supporting those women who have made the courageous first step towards a peaceful change is an action that says "You deserve to be commended - you have value - YOU are AMAZING!"

and most of all

You Have Made the RIGHT Choice!!

============================

To help support Sue Rock Originals Everyone - Its Simple!

We are a 501(c)3 organization!

To send a Donation -

Make your donation out to Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.

Send to: Sue Rock Originals Everyone

50 East 18th Street, Suite A8

Brooklyn, New York 11226

To Send Fabric, Yarn or Textile Tool Donations

Send to: Sue Rock Originals Design Studio

Storefront

1069 Bergen Street

Brooklyn, NY 11226

To Volunteer:

Sue Rock Originals Everyone treasures the volunteers that knit, crochet, sew and create beautiful items for survivors of domestic violence. Twice a year (Mother's Day and October- Domestic Violence Awareness Month) we bring donations to a domestic violence residence in the New York area.

When considering what to make - ask yourself this key question:

"If I was to leave my life with what I am wearing right now -

What would I need?"

THOSE are the items that we would like you to make :))

Everything you can put your valuable papers in and everything that will stretch a wardrobe consisting of a turtleneck, jeans and a pair of flipflops.

That is what women need who run to leave a batterer AND still have to raise children AND go to open school night AND go to work etc.

Our organization can provide fabric and notions, yarn and tools

All we need is your creativity!

Contact Sue Rock at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com (we accommodate those groups who are outside of the New York area)

Sue Rock Originals Everyone - October Activities Calendar

2009-10-01T10:01:00.005-04:00

Saturday, October 17 - Sewing Classes. Sewing classes at Sue Rock Originals Studios will begin on October 17 for the first and third Saturdays of every month. 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm First class will be for a oversize green bag case - Donations accepted.

Saturday, October 24 - SAVE THE DATE Beautiful needlepoint Exhibition: The Needlearts Process: The Unfinished Mastery of Bernard Kleban. Three Jewels Yoga Studio $20 Admission Refreshments will be served. 4:00pm - 8:00pm Three Jewels Yoga Studio 61 Fourth Avenue (at 9th St.) Third Floor New York

Events planning Volunteers needed - OCTOBER EVENTS

2009-09-27T19:06:00.000-04:00

Non profit planning numerous events during the month of October needs volunteers in varying capacities for the creation of some fabulous events.

Volunteer opportunities include

Volunteer captain
Cleaners
Event Set up and Design
Creation of Party favors
Invitation designers (assist in email listings)
Meet and Greet Staff
Servers
Flyer Distribution
Sewers

Timing is crucial - if you are interested - PLEASE contact us ASAP at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com!

Event planners who are interested in contributing their services are greatly appreciated :))

Thank you

Sue Rock
Executive Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
www.suerock.blogspot.com

Widget

2009-09-07T21:58:00.001-04:00

Some people ask how we came to get all this.....STUFF

2009-07-21T12:54:00.003-04:00

..so.....

I am showing on of the Summer Youth Employment employees how to get to the post office for us, right. And a woman stops by the door and asks about our sign. Well we have listed all sorts of activities, crochet, knitting, sewing etc. And she says that she would like to learn sewing.....I begin to tell her about the classes....

So....as we are talking, I share our organization with her....and I let her know that Sue Rock Originals Everyone provides NEW handcrafted clothing to survivors of domestic violence who have left.......

AND SHE PROCEEDS TO WALK DOWN THE BLOCK, GO BACK INTO HER HOUSE AND BRING OUT ITEMS SHE HAS JUST COMPLETED FOR BABIES

- AWESOME!!!!

THAT is what Sue Rock Originals Everyone is about!!!

The Design Studio

2009-07-13T12:40:00.004-04:00

Well we moved into a raw space in March and this is where we are today! - Amazing!!

Needlepoint Kits come to Materials for the Arts

2009-07-13T12:07:00.003-04:00

As we posted last time, there were an amazing assortment of needlepoint kits which arrived at the design studios of Sue Rock Originals Everyone - well we shared the wealth.

A week after their arrival, we contacted the staff at MFTA and let them know they could pick up some of the items received (hey you only have SO much room!!)

These photos are of the pickup!

Needlepoint Kits come to Sue Rock Originals Everyone!

2009-06-23T10:06:00.006-04:00

There are times when you have to just marvel at what life gives you in all its bounty!!!

My most recent experience comes from a visit to the Materials for the Arts website. Materials for the Arts is an amazing non profit affiliated with New York's Department of Cultural Affairs. Singlehandedly, MFTA receives donations from individuals and companies throughout the Tri-state area of usable goods which are then distributed on regular "shopping" days to arts organizations in New York. Everything from pencils to padding can be found in their Long Island City warehouse. For items that can't be picked up, they have a Direct Donations area where interested arts organizations can contact the donees directly. It is here that I met Gen Wallace-Roe.

Gen Wallace-Roe is a dynamic woman and a professional organizer. Now hold up! Before you think that she just supports the lives of lazy upscale adults who just don't want to clean or who want all their DVDs alphebetised, think again! Ms. Wallace-Roe has developed her business for young adults who often have the daunting responsibility of disposing upward to 40 years of items from the homes of their parents. Parents who either have extended illness, have moved into senior living or have passed away are unable to navigate the weight of a lifetime of possessions. Ms. Wallace-Roe works with the family to navigate paperwork, valuables and those items which are of questionable value. She, working under her client June Kleban, posted needlepoint canvases and tools as being available.

We called her immediately!

After a few months of various phone calls and emails, we made arrangments to receive the items in the beginning of May.

On a grey day in May, a red 4x4 pulled up in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn with a UHaul trailing behind it - Filled to the brim with needlepoint.

Needlepoint of every shape and size, needlepoint kits, needlepoint frames, needlepoint books, needlepoint threads, needlepoint for days!

One person may think - What will they do with all of that stuff!! Well the seniors at the Fort Greene Senior Center were able to figure out what to do! There has been a steady flow of elders stopping by to lend a helping hand - sorting, organizing and even purchasing needlepoint kits.

So what can I do to help?

2009-05-26T20:34:00.003-04:00

The hardest thing when you have Santa Clause DNA is to let people know what YOU need. Hmmmm, cloth and fabric is donated, volunteers come, we have a location - just what DO we need?

Sue Rock Originals Everyone has since its inception been an exercise in allowing the universe to provide support for the least of us in times of need. We have provided over 2,500 items in the past four years to women who have chosen to leave the cycle of violence.

From ceramics studios we have received beautiful hand crafted items that were invaluable replacements to countless personal items left behind. From interior design firms we have received gorgeous sheers and brocades with which to replace drapes and curtains, or create bedding and bathroom decor. From peoples homes we have received the beautiful fabric and notions from loved ones who did not know where to turn to donate their elders precious collections. Each request to yarn companies was answered with box upon box of sensational wool blends.

With the expansion of our mission to include training - we have been provided a permanent location and a wonderful instructor of sewing with over 15 years of professional experience.

So what do we need?

YOU!
Your supportive donations will help to ensure that our work will continue for years to come.

We are in the unique position of having an architect (Baer Architecture Group http://www.baerarchitecture.org/) who has donated time to create the reconstruction designs for our location - designing retail, manufacturing and training space. Storage to the rafters for all of our donations and machinery.

As a 501(c) 3 each and every financial donation is tax-deductible. All in-kind donations of fabric, notions, machinery or yarn is also tax-deductible.

Please give and give generously to this exploration in self-sufficiency as we all reclaim the knowledge of our ancestors to live in a life filled with change.

Make our donations out to : Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
c/o Sue Rock, Executive Director
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, New York 11226

Or if you are in the New York area and would like to lend a hand:

Sue Rock Originals Design Studios
1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues
Brooklyn, New York
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

We use volunteers of all kinds to assist in filing, sorting of fabrics, patterns and yarns, general housekeeping, general gardening and community outreach.

...so you must really have to CLEAN that fabric you get, huh?

2009-05-18T10:19:00.013-04:00

When developing any type of business - it helps to listen.

Much is being done in fashion with reconstructed garments and recycled fabrics but not much said about reclaiming fabrics from the garment and interior design industries. When we think of the fashion industry, we generally think "make the clothes, buy them when they don’t fit toss them".

I wanted to share some of what we have learned about the fashion industry, how it works and how we are able to make the beautiful things that we do.
Lets start at the beginning…….

A men's shirt is going to be designed by a company:

Fashion companies are made up of teams of designers and design assistants who have the important task of deciding what they are going to create for the upcoming year. They come together and look over colors and patterns and will come to a basic decision about a color group. Once decided, a garment will need to be created before the item is manufactured. The company will have a fabric manufacturer create EVERY COMBINATION of the pattern decided upon (from blue on blue to white on white) so that the design team has an accurate representation of the garment they are making. Even if the color is solid – every variation is created for review and critique before the item hits the stores.

Then sample garments are made from these freshly manufactured fabrics and a decision is made for color, fabric weight and pattern.

What is left over is this:

What Sue Rock Originals does is RECLAIMS the fabric before it ever gets into the dump. We receive regular phone calls from individuals and businesses for fabric pickups. It is a way for the organization to simply and effectively give back within their time frame and it saves them money for the dumpster fees.

And then we create THIS:

and That is How it is Done!

Boxes and Bolts of Fabric are never used due to time constraints, color variations or just changes in the fashion trend - and so SRO gets the opportunity to create beautiful clothing from reclaimed fabric -

Come on By and see for yourself!

Sanctuary for Families Mentors - Amazing Women!

2009-05-08T13:06:00.004-04:00

"This is a Film Set"

or so the signs told me as I drove throughout New York City trying to get to Sanctuary for Families, the most recent recipient of items from Sue Rock Originals Everyone. I have had a long standing relationship with Emily LoBue, Senior Director of Volunteer Service at Sanctuary and we had created a wonderful way of donating to the women in their organization.

Survivors of domestic violence are in a very critical condition. Many times it is difficult to share many donations with them due to their need for safety, security and privacy. Some of these women are on the run from another state, running from a spouse who has searched for them cross country. They need support, but most of all they need anonymity. In these circumstances, donations are presented to the agency responsible for the residence and are distributed in kind.

However, this Mother's Day we had the beautiful opportunity to donate to a powerful group of women who have graduated from a powerful program - the Sanctuary for Families Mentors Group. These are women who have lived in the residential setting. They are now stable, working thriving women who have taken on the role of advocates for others who are now living through what they have survived. They advocate for these women in a variety of ways - some speaking out, others manning tables - always training, studying, and fighting to understand new ways of supporting the lives of women who are leaving a cycle of violence.

They had just had their graduation in which the previous year's mentors "passes the torch" on to the new graduates. I was coming to their first group meeting to share SROE with them and share some of the wonderful items collected.

As I entered the room with bags and boxes of donations, I looked over at the various faces - of varying colors, shapes and sizes, I thought about the unifying theme of them all - they are survivors and willing to assist others in making the change to healing.

This year's donation drive would not have been possible had it not been for the following amazing folks - the team at the Brooklyn District Attorney's Family Justice Center who created numerous knit backpacks and excellent correspondence bags!

- Jeanne Heifitz, a Brooklyn based textile fine artist who created exquisite head/scarf wraps and hats

- Sue Kyhos of Maryland who hand knit some of the most beautiful items, having heard about us on the internet

and Materials for the Arts - an arts organization which provides items of all kinds to arts organizations based through the New York City area

Each year we do this work it brings more joy to us - this year we look forward to learning from these women to make sure that our work impacts their lives in the ways that we hope/

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL!!

My father - giver of gifts........

2009-04-29T17:48:00.008-04:00

We finally have a permanent space and it is bittersweet to say the least. My father, George C. Hargett was a magnificent Aquarian who had the foresight of purchasing a property on Bergen Street back when New York City allowed civilians to purchase "properties for a dollar" for auction and Bergen Street was a business district for one particular imported commodity! No one but No one was calling it Crow Hill or Crown Heights North back then and for 25 years he maintained a three story store front property with ingenuity and deftness. We finally have a permanent space and it is bittersweet to say the least. My father, George C. Hargett was a magnificent Aquarian who had the foresight of purchasing a property on Bergen Street back when New York City allowed civilians to purchase "properties for a dollar" for auction and Bergen Street was a business district for one particular imported commodity! No one but No one was calling it Crow Hill or Crown Heights North back then and for 25 years he maintained a three story store front property with ingenuity and deftness.

I love my father and his dream was to have a fabulous restaurant ("where we can make our own ice cream and pickles even!"). He loved working with people and believed in community. He also believed in the value of a dollar - often in spite of his dreams..... During the past few years he knew about and often participated in the work we did with Sue Rock Originals, but had a hard time adding up how it could work financially. The dollar being the bottom line, he offered his support as best he could.... or so I thought....

When he passed away, he left the building and the running of it to myself and my brother.

The same week the person who had been leasing the storefront as a party place moved out in the middle of the nite.......

We moved in after the services.

Thanks Dad!

Sue Rock Originals - "Keepers of the Craft"

2009-04-29T17:33:00.004-04:00

Much of the work of Sue Rock Originals Everyone consists of donations. Donations donations donations. I often think that its beyond fortunate that my husband and I are crazy in the same ways - otherwise I can't think of too many people who would allow for a storage as full of fabric and notions as ours is. Needless to say the early morning runs into Manhattan or to the far reaches of Queens are some of our favorite moments. Coffee in hand, maps and cell phones on my lap, his driver window open we are off on another adventure to discover what goodies life has to offer.

We have often marvelled at how we meet just the right people in our forays into the world. The wonderful woman with bookcases up to the ceiling who needed to let go of a freezer to allow for more pet cages for her pet shelter/home..........the operations manager of a sample house in midtown who on my first trip to her home to pick up fabric has made us her favorite charity calling every three months or so for another pickup (I think we have met all the women working with her - they all want to help bring fabric downstairs to meet these people she has spoken about!).

Then there are the costome companies - old and still in business (thank God) - located in midtown Manhattan and staffed by elder seamstresses who know their way around some sequins and extra heavy foam, I tell you! These people and so many more have filled our lives for the past five years and though space quickly diminshes, I can't resist going to the next "Come and get it" call! Once folks hear about our work the open hearted generosity is tremendous.

More often than not, relationships have been formed and repeat pick ups have happened. The nicest experiences are with family members. When you have a loved family member pass on it is difficult enough - but when you finally have the emotional courage to go through the apartment or building it is heartbreaking to have to pull teeth to donate things. We have received wonderful fabrics from women whose lives were enriched by sewing and crochet.

These women are the ones that no one knew treasured embroidery. Or who were working on a red crepe dress with long sleeves and a full lining. Or were finally mastering the double wedding rings quilt top. These were civil service workers who loved bright florals and spicy leopard prints. Women who just never got to putting the zipper in that one dress......

I love being "The Keeper of the Craft" - curious about it most of the time, wondering how folks find us (like the woman who just moved in upstairs from us and came down to see if we would accept some fabric she was giving away!) and endeared to their looks of appreciation and joy that we "get it" and understand the value of these beautiful things.

LINGERIE FRIDAYS - Sexy Sewing and Supporting Charity!!!

2009-04-28T18:15:00.002-04:00

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. the only textile charity committed to supporting the lives of survivors of domestic violence is hosting a BI-WEEKLY LINGERIE PARTY.

The First and Third Fridays of the month - our sensational WENDY HAYES will be guiding you into the delights of creating your own custom lingerie. Lace thongs, Tanga Panties and Camisoles like those produced by Natori and La Perla can be yours at a fraction of the cost.

$45 includes two mixed drinks, appetizers and beautiful materials to create your own beautiful lingerie.

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Sue Rock Originals Design Studio
Street: 1069 Bergen Street between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues
City/Town: Brooklyn, NY

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE, INC. AND ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Limited to 10 students - RSVP required

A wonderful trend in volunteering

2009-04-05T17:35:00.009-04:00

Omega Phi Sorority Sister Cara Quinones and Founder Sue Rock go through the yarns being used by Omega Phi Beta for our upcoming clothing donation drive at Sue Rock Originals Everyone's new design studio!

Director, Babafemi Akinsegun, Omega Phi Sorority Sister Cara Quinones and Ade Akinsegun at the Sue Rock Originals Everyone's new digs!

This year has been phenomenal with volunteers joining as collective. We have had some sensational interest from people at he Brooklyn DA's Family Justice Centers (10 volunteers) Brooklyn's Community Arts and Media High School (20 volunteers) and most recently Sorority Omega Phi Beta's Cara Quinones picked up yarn for six of her sisters!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone is still the only game in town supproting the lives of domestic violence survivors with NEW handcrafted clothing. We are currently working with our volunteers to create handknits and hand crocheted clothing and accessories for 2009. Our donations will support women living in Sanctuary for Families residences. Mother's Day is around the corner and our volunteers are busy knitting and crocheting up a storm. We have even received some interst in creating jewelry for these phenomenal women who have chosen a live of change and renewal instead of violence.

Emily LoBlue, Senior Director of Volunteer Services at Sanctuary for Families is delighted to be receiving donations from Sue Rock Originals Everyone again.

To volunteer or donate - Contact Sue Rock at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Sue Rock Originals Everyone - Mother's Day Clothing Drive 2009

2009-03-29T11:06:00.004-04:00

Domestic Violence continues....... in the press -

NY Times 2008 2 Relatives of Jennifer Hudson Reported Slain
Daily News 2009:Rihanna: Chris' Beatings Kept Getting Worse
Clarion Ledger 2009: Violence against females increased after Hurricane Katrina

There has never been a more important time to support the lives of Domestic Violence SURVIVORS. Studies show that a woman living in a residence has tried at least 6 to 7 times before. They also show that Domestic Violence survivors have developed skills of determination, resilience, fortitude and planning to protect themselves and their families.

These women need our support and commendation. Join us today!

If you are a knitter, crocheter or sewer come out to Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. Pick up some yarn and make something wonderful for a woman who has left the cycle of violence. We partner volunteers with the raw materials to make NEW clothing for women and their families. We have been single handedly running this effort for five years - donating over 2,000 handcrafted items to women throughout the New York area.

May 11, 2009 - Mother's Day - we want to make the lives of even more women uplifted and supported. Make a personal difference in the lives of people committed to change!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
1069 BERGEN STREET (Between Nostrand & Rogers Avenues in Brooklyn )
Directions: Take the A/C trains to Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn . Once you leave the train station, walk in the direction of Nostrand Avenue traffic 5 short blocks to Bergen Street (or wait right by the train station for the B44 bus - taking it to Bergen Street)At Bergen Street, make a right turn. 1069 is the storefront with the woodcovered front.
CONTACT US TO ARRANGE PICKUP :))
suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Volunteer Service Fair at Union Temple in Brooklyn, NY

2009-02-11T19:15:00.004-05:00

The first weekend of February, Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. was invited to participate in a Volunteer Service Fair held at the Union Temple on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. As you can see from the pictures - it was GREAT !

This crafts table was set up by Materials for the Arts for the enjoyment of children (of all ages!)

We were set up next to Dress for Success and set up a table with info sheets and a display of just the type of thing Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. makes with reclaimed fabrics. All of the fabric in our display would have been discarded by the fashion industry or individuals! AMAZING!

The event had over 100 nonprofits from all sectors and had over 500 attendees! Brooklyn for Barack were the hosts of this event and it was really successful~

We made some fantastic new contacts. People signed up to knit and crochet for us and in addition volunteer videographers and fashion industry experts were hot to hear what was next for SROE!

Participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

2009-02-11T18:49:00.005-05:00

- there's just something about President Obama that......well, when he says jump......you kind of want to go "How High!" - That was the case when the Brooklyn for Barack crew asked SROE to participate in their participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Presidential Call to Service. Organizations all across the United States were requested to work with volunteers in a variety of ways helping to give back to their communities.

For over three years, SROE has received bolts of fabric from interior design companies, cases sample prints from fashion houses and bags of vintage textiles from beloved aunts and grandmothers. These items have grown to fill a 10 x 10 storage unit, which has been maintained out of pocket by its directors for two years running. We REALLY needed the help.

And Help Came.

20 volunteers came throughout the MLK Jr. Weekend to fold, carry, organize tie and re pack our storage area!

Participating in the President's Call to Service AOOOO!!!!

2009-01-18T07:34:00.004-05:00

WHOOOOO HOOOOOO What an amazing time! the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats and Brooklyn for Obama invited Sue Rock Originals Everyone to participate in the President's Call to Service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the weekend before.

This was an amazing event for all of us. Babafemi and I were amped, as we were looking forward to getting into the storage to prepare for the coming Spring. Having made a clear decision to have Sue Rock Originals be the fundraising wing of the not for profit, we understood that were were quickly becoming late late late for any prospective purchases from Brooklyn boutiques (who buy closer to the season they are in, by the way, choosing to hold on to their duckets until they see which way the wind is blowing).

Even though there was much accomplished last year, true to form, THIS year brought more fabrics and other items which had (like the others) been MASHED into our storage until "some later date"

Well that date was this weekend. We received over 20 volunteers in two days who chatted, folded, laughed, oohed, aahed, cried and then began folding again, as we worked the cold snowy days away!

Interview on WKTU 103.5 FM - Sunday, Jan. 18 7:00AM

2009-01-12T08:21:00.002-05:00

Brooklyn based Domestic Violence NonProfit -
Upcoming interview on WKTU with Cindy Vero of KTU CARES

New York, New York, January 11, 2009:

As the only craft charity for survivors of Domestic Violence - Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. will be featured on January 18, 2009 on the Sunday morning show KTU Cares hosted by Cindy Vero.

Drive time radio personality Cindy Vero is the cohost of the WKTU Show Mornings with Cubby and Cindy. WKTU, located at 103.5 is known as the Beat of New York. Regarding Sue Rock, Ms. Vero states “Brace yourselves for somebody spectacular! Sue Rock is a force to be reckoned with!! Sue Rock is electric and full of personality! What an inspiration to women everywhere.”

http://mornings.ktu.com/pages/cindy.html

Airtime is Sunday, January 18th, 2009 7:00AM, on WKTU 103.5FM

About Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.

When the eco-fashion company Sue Rock Originals came into a surplus of donated yarns, their first thought was, “How can we use these materials to give back to our community?” Research made it evident that there were no craft charities for women. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. (SROE) was created to fill this void. The “Everyone” addition to the company name is for women who are survivors of domestic violence living in temporary residences throughout the city. It is also a representation of the volunteers. Everyone who uses the surplus materials to create clothing and accessories for these women, supporting them as they leave the cycle of violence and start a new life. All items are presented twice a year (May – Mother’s Day and October – Domestic Violence Awareness Month) to residences based in New York. In four short years, over 1,000 items (in addition to ceramics, books and window treatments) have been presented to Safe Horizons, Sanctuary for Families and Fortune Academy.

The organization has developed a unique funding resource – Sue Rock Originals. Sue Rock Originals is the eco-fashion brand of women’s separates. Appealing to every size from 2 to 22, their tailored selections are made from 100% reclaimed fabrics. Their line is currently carried at Flirt-Brooklyn and Eidolon both located in Brooklyn’s Park Slope.

Contact: Sue Rock 347-365-8747

Beautiful Donations from Caron Yarns, Louet Yarns and a wonderful individuals

2009-01-11T23:59:00.005-05:00

Most unusual was how all the yarns complement each other beautifully - even though the donors sent them all at different times and did not know each other!

Louet Yarn Company, Caron Yarns and a wonderful elder from upper Manhattan

are the first to come on board

with yarn donations for 2009

THANK YOU!

Sue Rock Originals Everyone Volunteer Opportunities for 2009

2009-01-07T18:45:00.003-05:00

As we all approach the upcoming inauguration and ensuing economic CRAZINESS - people are focused on how they can enjoy life and give back to their families and friends. Why not volunteer for Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!

We are a fun-loving bunch of knitters, crocheters, tailors and lovers of textiles who make miracles happen in the lives of women committed to making a change in their lives.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities for 2009:

Volunteers needed for January 17, 18 and 19 - STORAGE ORGANIZING

For over 3 years SROE has received donations from individuals, fashion houses and interior design firms. We would like to answer the President Elect's call for service, so on these three days we will be providing volunteer opportunities for able bodied individuals to help us to organize our storage. We are located in Brooklyn New York and will be working in a storage facility located on Flatbush Avenue in the downtown section of Brooklyn, near all transportation.
Volunteers will be needed to lift, carry, move and sort fabrics of all kinds as we prepare for this years developments.

Volunteers needed for ongoing Knitting, Crocheting and Sewing -

If you had to start over completely, what would YOU need? A bag, a wallet, pants, skirt, a warm coat..... the list goes on. If you have even beginning craft skills we could use YOUR nimble fingers to assist us in our effort to provide beautiful clothing to women in need.
All tools and materials are provided to volunteers and projects can be done at home at your convenience - to be dropped off on completion.

Donations needed of fabric, yarns and textile goods.

We are always willing to work with individuals who have NO idea what to do with fabrics, yarns and notions left by loving family members. Or maybe you have moved on to another field and have items that you no longer use. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. uses all donations towards the effort of our non-profit - whether for making clothes for women in need, training people in working in the textile arts or designing for our line Sue Rock Originals. It is all used towards a greater good!

and of course.......your cash donations are always appreciated!

As a 501(c)3 your donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. In these tough times you want to make sure that your dollars are put to the best use possible. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. makes sure that every dollar we receive is put into the work of working with survivors of domestic violence.

Donations can be received via PayPal at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com
or by mail -

Sue Rock
Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, NY 11226

MAKE DIFFERENCE IN 2009 WORK WITH SUE ROCK ORIGINALS EVERYONE, INC AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE A HEALTHY CHANGE TO A LIFE FREE FROM VIOLENCE!

The Sue Rock Originals Story!

2009-01-07T18:34:00.001-05:00

Sue and Jerome Rock are the designers behind Sue Rock Originals. Based in New York, Sue Rock Originals is the premier design studio for fashion forward hand crochet and hand knits. Sue Rock is a crocheter of over 20 years who has brought the standard of custom crochet work back to forefront of Fashion. No stranger to fair trade and green practices she is the first knitwear designer to develop a manufacturing arrangement with Rwanda Knits, a cooperative working with Rwandan refugees. She launched a line of organic llama knit and crochet apparel in Fall of 2008, working with handpicked design team of some of New York’s best knitters and crocheters.

Their tailored selections are made from 100% reclaimed fabrics. The fashion and interior design industries discard tons of fabric per year. Sue Rock Originals uses these fabrics to create beautiful tailored garments for women of all ages.

Sue Rock’s love of textiles and design doesn’t stop there........

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.(“SROE, Inc.”) is a not-for-profit corporation which brings together textile/fiber artists and raw materials to create clothing and accessories to survivors of domestic violence living in transitional housing.

SROE, Inc. requests donations of raw materials (fabric, yarn, tools) from individuals and businesses. Upon receipt of the donations, volunteers have the option of creating clothing, accessories or bedding for our organization. These items are presented to women living in transitional housing . Women are introduced to the volunteers and are allowed to “shop” for items as volunteers assist them in their “purchase”

In only three years, we have donated the following to Safe Horizon living facilities:

150 window treatments for residences (including drapes, cafe curtains and curtains)
three cases of hand crocheted hats, scarves and handbags from the students at SUNY New Paltz
1200 children's and adult's books - establishing libraries at two facilities
50 pairs of earrings by an independent jewelry designer
50 shrugs
100 ponchos
17 sweaters
150 handknit/handcrocheted pocketbooks
2 cases of ceramic household goods.

We are currently able to provide direct training in textile arts to survivors of domestic violence living in transitional housing. We have the materials the equipment and the educators. Any information you would like regarding our work is available in the links below.

For more information, we can be reached at 347-365-8747 or suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

Obama elected president | 11:01 p.m.

2008-11-04T23:14:00.006-05:00

Obama wins California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, giving him 324 electoral votes to McCain's 124 (AP). He will be the 44th president of the United States.

After a tight battle against Republican Sen. John McCain, Obama has become the first African American president in the history of the United States.

Obama is set to address his supporters from Chicago's Grant Park.
Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware will be accompanying Obama to the White House as his vice president. Biden made his first unsuccessful bid for president in 1988, and again this year before dropping out. A six-term senator, Biden is the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office comes on Board!!!

2008-11-04T13:06:00.006-05:00

In the beginning of October, I had the unique pleasure of meeting Chief of Domestic Violence for the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, Ms. Deirdre Biallo-Padin.

When she called, I was thrilled and hearing of her position, went immediately into our 10 minute "shpiel" on Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. - how we started, how dynamic the organization has become and our upcoming events.......

Only to discover that she had seen our flyer, was an avid knitter and was interested in getting YARN!!!! (LOL). Well we got the particulars, both myself and my husband went to the DA's office to present a the yarn and meet Ms Padin. She had encouraged five of her staff to come on board also and work on items with us. She then gave us a tour of the recently created Family Justice Center. For the first time, women who are pursuing legal recourse for their domestic violence situation can get the assistance they may need regarding a variety of family issues ALL ON ONE FLOOR.

In 1990, when Charles J. Hynes took office as District Attorney of Kings County, he vowed to place a great emphasis on domestic violence. He had a vested interest in this issue - his mother was battered and he experienced the damage done to his own family first hand.

In November 2001, New York City residents voted to amend the City Charter to establish a permanent office that would comprehensively address issues of domestic violence. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg appointed Yolanda B. Jimenez as the first commissioner to head the new office, which is one of only a few government offices in the United States focused solely on the issue of domestic violence.

The Family Justice Center has disposable phones, clothing for those in immediate need, Safe Horizon offices, offices for immigrants from Haiti, Russia and Eastern Europe, South East Asia and India and for the Hasidic community. There are legal services for immigrants and social service offices for those needing housing. And a wonderful children's playcare area.

The staff at the Family Justice Center was really enthusiastic about this type of organization. Working in the service industry for survivors of domestic violence can be quite stressful. To our surprise everyone looked forward to having this way of giving back that was creative and relaxing. They received a full box of yarn and knitting needles to create beautiful items for women who have made the first step towards change!

A powerful ending to DV Awareness Month at Women's Survival Space

2008-11-02T18:23:00.003-05:00

The Center Against Domestic Violence is the umbrella organization to three domestic violence residences one of which is Women's Survival Space. On October 29, 2008, Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. collected all of our donations and caravaned them over to Women's Survival Space for their annual commemoration for the residents of their facility. It was an amazing and powerful event (pics will be posted soon!). I want to take a moment to gratefully thank some wonderful men and women without whom this would not be possible. First I would like to thank my husband Babafemi who with amazing patience and overarching enthusiasm is the driver, IT tech, message taker, co-director and consoler throughout this whole process!! (and he can COOK too!) Next is the amazing Chief of Domestic Violence at the Family Justice Center located in the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, Ms. Deirdre Biallo-Padin. Not only is she a silversmith extraordinaire, but she encouraged FIVE of her staff to come on board to assist in creating beautiful items for the women of Women's Survival Space. Next there is Jenny Femia and her cousin Brandy Mui. These women are cable stitchers who can knit their butts off with beautiful cowls and shrugs - YEA YOU!!!. Ramona Kearns came back this year with a matching wrap and hat set that disappeared in seconds. I would be remiss if I did not mention my cousin Pat Sweeting - in a beautiful connection that was stimulated by conversations about our ancestors, my cousin created innumerable scarves that were warm and functional (and she wondered why she had begun knitting scarves a few weeks before!) . Dr. Mary Ann Clark brought in the West Coast flavor with wonderful scarves from Colorado. And with the generous donation of Sofia Negron, we were able to transport all these items to the residence on Wednesday night.

Beginning with a solemn poem read by one of the administrators, the women attending heard of a woman who "received flowers today, even though it was not my birthday, or mother's day". As the poem was read, the reader walked through the dining tables slowly recounting ever growing tales of abuse, which invariably ended with "and I received flowers today, even though it was not my birthday". With each slap which grew to a hit, each kick that grew to being thrown, the reader continued "but I received flowers today....". As she walked throughout the dining room, she got to the rear, where two assistants lifted a cloth revealing a coffin - at which point our reader stepped into the coffin and lying down, while sharing that she received flowers today, because today was the day of her funeral!

It was POWERFUL and there was not a dry eye!

She asked us all "Do YOU want to receive flowers today?"
We all responded - "NO!"

=====================================================

The evening was resplendent in Purple and White and the support and love directed through Director Hermine Bowens was felt throughout the evening. The event featured poetry, song, and children's performances. And wonderful wonderful food.

Finally, our organization spoke to the women present about our experience creating this event and about the women and men involved in this work. Then we began fitting and styling the women of the residence with the beautiful sweaters, ponchos

At final count we had
3 full sweaters
5 mesh shrugs
30 scarves
4 hat sets with scarves
3 hat sets with wraps/purses
5 hats
7 ponchos
2 baby blankets
2 cowls
1 vest

as well as over 200 assorted ceramics.

It was yet another amazing night. Wonderful for women and wonderful to see that hands, all hands can help to create change.

News 12 features Domestic Violence Non Profit Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.!

2008-10-06T14:53:00.005-04:00

This was one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced. When Cablevision's News 12 came to Flatbush Brooklyn and interviewed my self and my husband around our recent collection drive for survivors of domestic violence living at the Women's Survival Space residence. Mary Nguyen was FABulous - coming in with her own gear and scripting her piece for that evening's show. Long standing volunteer Ramona Kearns was wonderful, lending her able hands to set up the space.

The night before we set up our venue at the Brooklyn Public Library. The Flatbush Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library features classes in crochet by yours truly at their beautiful upstairs meeting room.

As we finished, I presented Mary with one of our Sue Rock Originals fall scarves - She was touched and encouraged us all in our work.....

Sue Rock Originals Everyone featured on News 12

2008-10-05T18:48:00.003-04:00

If this is your first time here - WELCOME. Sue Rock Originals Everyone is the first ever craft charity completely committed to providing support to survivors of domestic violence. We transform donations of raw materials into clothing and accessories for survivors of domestic violence living in residences throughout New York.

Fabric and textiles are an amazing and life sustaining medium. Created in the earliest days of human civilization, textiles are a source of function, creativity and beauty. The crafting of textiles is an art practiced by the entire world and fortunately is regaining popularity in the US with the DIY movement.

We see using fabric as a means of healing a natural response for individuals, especially women, who have left everything they considered dear in order to save their lives and the lives of their children. Handcrafted items retain the care and detail of their creator and these pieces offer great care and support to women reaching out tenderly to a new life. Learning the textiles arts, whether knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or sewing reorients a person to personal accomplishment and pride. The beauty of the sheer variety of materials available is restorative and has been used in all settings to stimulate mental and emotional health.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone is a 501(c) 3 corporation and accepts donations of money, materials and time.

To make a donation,
By Credit Card: We accept donations via Paypal http://www.paypal.com/
Our account is suerockoriginals@yahoo.com

By Check:
please make checks out to :Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
Address:
Sue Rock, Executive Director
Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc.
50 East 18th Street A8
Brooklyn, NY 11226

To make a fabric, yarn or needlwork tools donation contact us at
suerockoriginals@yahoo.com
or
(347) 365-8747

Thank you so much for your support and please send us your email so that we can keep you aware of all the upcoming events for Sue Rock Originals Everyone.

Brooklyn based ECO-FASHION COMPANY creates CRAFT CHARITY FOR WOMEN IN NEED

2008-09-21T12:43:00.005-04:00

Brooklyn based ECO-FASHION COMPANY
creates CRAFT CHARITY FOR WOMEN IN NEED -
upcoming Donation to domestic violence shelter

As the only craft charity for survivors of Domestic Violence - Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. needs knit and crochet volunteers for their upcoming donation drive for Domestic Violence Awareness month. This organization is honored to be presenting volunteer created hand-crafted clothing and accessories to Women’s Survival Space, a Brooklyn based Domestic Violence residence.

When the eco-fashion company Sue Rock Originals came into a surplus of donated yarns, their first thought was, “How can we use these materials to give back to our community?” Research made it evident that there were no craft charities for women. Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. (SROE) was created to fill this void. The “Everyone” addition to the company name is for women who are survivors of domestic violence living in temporary residences throughout the city. It is also a representation of the volunteers. Everyone who uses the surplus materials to create clothing and accessories for these women, supporting them as they leave the cycle of violence and start a new life. All items are presented twice a year (May – Mother’s Day and October – Domestic Violence Awareness Month) to residences based in New York. In four short years, over 1,000 items (in addition to ceramics, books and window treatments) have been presented to Safe Horizons, Sanctuary for Families and Fortune Academy.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Sue Rock Originals is the eco-fashion brand of women’s separates. Appealing to every size from 2 to 22, their tailored selections are made from 100% reclaimed fabrics. Sue Rock Originals uses these fabrics to create skirts, dresses and handbags. No stranger to fair trade and green practices they are the first designers to develop a manufacturing arrangement with Rwanda Knits, a knitting cooperative working with Rwandan refugees and have launched a line of crochet accessories this Fall working with some of New York’s best craftspeople. Their line is currently carried at Flirt-Brooklyn and Eidolon both located in Brooklyn’s Park Slope.

For more details on the event or to find out how you can help. Contact: Sue Rock 347-365-8747

The NonProfit Experience

2008-07-17T08:28:00.002-04:00

On the road to notprofitdom and what a ride it is. As a charity organization without the non-profit allowances, one can create a great deal of change and growth in the community.......but at a certain point the costs of gas, electricity, transportation and quite simply physical exertion can take their toll.

The Foundation Center is an amazing resource for people interested in walking this road. Their five locations (four field offices and the main office here in New York) include an extensive research library, workshops (both free and fee-based), a phenomenal online database and supportive staff. Non profit organizations have the responsibilities of fiscal accountability, fundraising, Project development, long range planning and board development.

PHEW!!! as a woman who has spent the last 20 years in the corporate sector as support staff it seemed overwhelming. However with diligent research and a supportive family, I have gained amazing resources.

VolunteerMatch provided a wonderful woman who has provided accounting support and insight for planning and grantwriting. Also, as a legal non-profit, I am registered with VolunteerNYC a New York based volunteer search site where groups can post their volunteering opportunities.

This is becoming an amazing journey - receipt of the 501(c)3 has mean the beginning of much much more work, but also much much more opportunity to help people in need.

Sue Rock Originals Everyone on the RING!

2008-07-11T08:13:00.001-04:00

Power By Ringsurf

Volunteers from Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Inc

2008-06-25T19:30:00.008-04:00

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is so proud to work with a diverse group of people. It became a challenge to handle all of the responsiblities of this developing non-profit. One of the challenges was handling all of the donations.

We started out with receiving donations at our home. That would have been fine, but unfortunately we were still living there!! After navigating for the 15th time through the narrow alleyways that were our living room, bedroom and kitchen, we finally invested in a storage unit. 5x5 without lighting, we were relieved.......for a WEEK! Immediately another call came for a fabric pick up - this time 12 bags. That went into the storage space.

Almost immediately the pace became unrelenting. From having participated in this charity work for three years, we had developed wonderful relationships with men and women throughout NY who called us frequently to pick up items - books, ceramics and always fabric and yarns. For a year straight we picked up items every few weeks, sometimes once a week

When the opportunity came this year to dedicate my time to the non-profit, we had a 10x10 space crammed to the brim to TRY to organize.

This is where Heaven's Hands comes in!

Heaven’s Hands Community Services, Inc. (HHCSNI) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that is committed to providing services and supports that assist individuals diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities, living in New York City, in achieving the highest level of independence, inclusion, individuality and productivity possible. As part of their mission HHCSI exists to provide habilitative and support services to individuals, families and communities in need.

Arlene Rado of HHCSNYI found our volunteer opportunity on VolunteerMatch.com. At that time we were looking for fashion students and lovers of fabric to assist us in the sorting and organizing of our stock. One of the students at HHCSNY, Jade, had been accepted to a special federal program which focuses on one on one guidance with a focus on the interests of the student. After a few weeks of getting things together, Jade and her counselor April came to assist us. Jade is an Autistic young woman with a love of drawing and art. April works directly with her and it has been going great.

Fundraising for SROE at the Prospect Park Greenfoods - Saturdays

2008-06-22T12:38:00.006-04:00

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is at the corner of Union Street and Prospect Park West generating funds for this amazing organization.

The GreenMarket of New York makes a beautiful backdrop to wonderful handcrafted pieces from throughout the tri-state area. Thanks to the generous donations of MAKE beautiful ceramics are available for all to enjoy!

Fundraising, fundraising, fundraising - the quest continues

2008-05-30T19:31:00.004-04:00

So once an organization becomes a legal tax exempt 501(c) 3 entity - just how do they get funds. I mean sure the benificent effort of helping others is marvelous but between you and me, gas is over $4.00 a gallon, right?

Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. is beginning to tackle the concept of creative fundraising. and it is NOT easy :)) I have never been good at asking for money and the learning curve could be staggering. Fortunately we have received amazing donations that can create a source of joy and income for the organization and for the women we service.

MAKE is a wonderful ceramics painting studio located at two sites in New York. By receiving their donations of unused ceramics, we are able to vend and create resources for Sue Rock Originals Everyone! Here are some pictures at the events we have sold at!

The beauty of the artwork speaks for itself. We have called this fundraising effort BY KIDS FOR KIDS (of all ages....). Creative work by children inspires the artist in all of us. Items like ceramic cellphones, butterflies and robots (a favorite with the over 20 male!) sell wonderfully as well as mugs, plates and ceramic high heel shoes. We can't thank MAKE enough for making this opportunity possible!

Make - www.makemeaning.com - check them out!

Mother's Day Clothing Drive - Honored Volunteer Jacqueline Lemon-Denton

2008-04-06T20:09:00.005-04:00

Today I had the opportunity of meeting a wonderful new volunteer. Jacqueline Lemon-Denton is a Queens native, who came out to see just what Sue Rock Originals Everyone is all about!

Jacqueline and her four sorority sisters who are spread out across the US will be contributing items to our Mother's Day effort. She is an avid crocheter who loves making ponchos, wraps and shawls.

We talked shop - the merits of vertical versus horizontal scarf construction, and plyed over potential color combinations. Both of us marvelled at the "give" in Brown Sheep Company's Cotton Fleece (a great combination of Cotton and Wool).

After much chatting, Jacqueline left with yarn for her and her sisters and shared her enthusiasm for this cause.

.......and I can't wait to see what they come up with !

Mother's Day Donation Drive BEGINS!!

2008-04-01T12:11:00.004-04:00

As the rains come, we begin the steady work of scheduling and planning our MOTHER'S DAY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DONATION DRIVE . Craigslist is our mainstay for seeking volunteers. Their volunteer postings always bring wonderful people from throughout the New York area. VolunteerMatch is also quite good. VolunteerMatch provides non-profits with the ability to post opportunities and provides individuals and groups with opportunities that may appeal to them. The range of opportunities is extraordinary from driving to reading, from knitting and crocheting to sports. It's really wonderful!

Help survivors of domestic violence get a new take on life!

The percentage of women who actually leave the home is heartbreaking. Women who do are ostracized, devastated and alone. Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!!!! seeks to restore humanity to women who still have to work, tend to children and maintain normal appearances during extraordinary times.

Sue Rock Originals EVERYONE!!! teams knitters, crocheters and weavers with the raw materials they need to create clothing and accessories for survivors of domestic violence. In the two years we have been in existence, volunteers have contributed over 200 shrugs, sweaters, ponchos, hat/scarf sets, gloves and handbags. Yarn companies nationwide have come to the table and contributed exquisite yarns of every color and description - and needles and findings.

Your hands can help to make another person's life uplifted. Yarn companies and individuals have already stepped up to the plate donating boxes of yarns and supplies to make this effort happen.

If you are interested in more information and wish to contact Sue for yarn and pattern pick up, email suerockoriginals@yahoo.com or call (347) 365-8747.

Thank you in advance for your creative efforts :))

Receiving Contributions from The Point in New York City

2007-09-25T12:02:00.000-04:00

The Point Knitting Salon is a sweet knitting haven nestled on Bedford Street in the West Village section of New York City. They feature sweets for the sweet, coffees and teas and some of the most scrumptious yarns you could set your eyes on. The Point recently had an event "Go Green". Part of the event included asking their customers to bring in their unwanted yarn for donation to charity.

The Point selected Sue Rock Originals Everyone, Inc. as their designated charity.

I arrived there on Wednesday, September 19 to receive the huge box and many bags of contributed yarns. These will go a long way in helping a woman make it through her transition.

And this all for the sake of asking......

The Point Knitting Cafe

37a Bedford Street

New York, NY 10014

212 929-0800

877 60-POINT

On the Web at: http://www.thepointnyc.com/

STORE/CAFE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 12-8pm Thursday: 12-9pm Friday: 12-7pm Saturday: 10am-6pm Sunday: 12-5pm

Let's do it again!! SROE, Inc gets ready for Domestic Violence Awareness month, October 2007

2007-08-10T13:52:00.001-04:00

Starting up the volunteer/yarn request for October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I can not believe that we are in our third year of donating volunteer created items to survivors of domestic violence living in transitional housing. This Fall we will be making contributions to Sanctuary for Families. From their website:

We are dedicated to the safety, healing, and self-sufficiency of battered women and their children. To that end, we offer a broad range of high-quality services including shelter, legal assistance, and counseling. We work to end domestic violence and its far-reaching impact through outreach, education, and advocacy, and to create a world where every woman and child lives with dignity.

If you are interested in volunteer your time or skills to our effort - please contact me, Sue Rock, at suerockoriginals@yahoo.com with your name, address, contact number and best times to meet with you to discuss our program.

Always the best!

Sue Rock