Seamwork is Now a Certified B Corp!

We’re excited to announce that Seamwork is now B Corp certified!

What does this mean? Read more from Sarai below, but first, we want to invite you to a special event we’re hosting to celebrate getting B Corp certification. It’s called Sew for Good: Mend. Donate. Create.

Sew for Good

We’re inviting you to sew along with us, for a good cause.

To kick off Sew for Good, we’re hosting two sessions on Zoom, where we will all get together and work on a sewing project. You can bring something to mend for yourself, a friend, or someone in your community. Or, you can donate your sewing time to a local non-profit. Or, you can create something to gift to someone to make them feel good!

If you’re a Seamwork member, we have a Sew for Good MEGATHREAD on the Community. We’ve rounded up a list of non-profits and organizations to which you can donate your time and skills. Please comment with any local organizations you are aware of, and we will have a worldwide thread full of ideas.

And since this is a celebration of our new B Corp status, we want Sew for Good to remain active in the Seamwork Community. So this is an open invitation to incorporate Sew for Good into your creative practice, just as we will make it a part of our regular practice here at Seamwork.

So what is B Corp anyway?

What is B Corp?

Certified B Corporations, B Corps for short, are for-profit companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. What does this look like?

B Corps meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Unlike traditional corporations, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders: customers, workers, communities, and the environment.

Seamwork reached B Corp certification in 2022, and you can read our 2021 Impact Report here on our website.

So why did we decide to seek B Corp certification? Here is a note from Sarai.

A Message from Sarai

“I’ve always endeavored to create a small business that was driven by purpose and values. For me, this means defining ourselves by actions rather than words. It isn't enough to say what we believe in, it's about how we treat employees, relate to our customers, treat the planet, and engage with the global community.

That is why, nearly two years ago, we began our journey to seek B Corp certification. This rigorous process ensures that companies who meet the requirements have the policies, tools, and systems in place to meet the strict environmental and social standards set out by B Lab.

Going through the process helped us to diagnose improvements we could make, and goals we could set. It led to concrete changes in our company, including added employee benefits like 401(k) matching, expanded healthcare coverage, and more; we started the Seamwork Fund to donate a percentage of profits each year to non-profit organizations we believe in; and we've started a new volunteer program to donate time in our local communities. These are just a few of the positive changes that moved from our "someday" list to reality.

I am so proud of all that we've done on this journey to becoming a B Corp, and happy to join this growing movement of businesses of all sizes working for a better future.”

What’s Next?

See below for a list of non-profits and organizations around the world.

If you’re a Seamwork member and you know of an organization that’s not on the list, comment on the MEGATHREAD with your ideas. We’ll update this article as a resource for anyone looking to sew for good.

A Worldwide List

This list will grow more and more as we hear from you!

United States

Project Linus: This non-proft has local chapters across the US that provide new handmade blankets to children in need.

Stitching Change: This Kansas City non-profit teaches refugee women how to sew, working with repurposed textiles and education to help them sell and market their products.

Days for Girls: This organization provides menstrual equity.

Case for Smiles: This organization provides whimsical pillowcases to children who require extended hospital treatment to help give them an emotional boost and provide tools to their families to help them all cope with the experience.

Enchanted Makeovers Sacred Sewing Room: This organization aims to provide dignity and resources to women and children living in shelters. The Sacred Sewing Room is a volunteer-run, well-stocked sewing space dedicated to healing.

Creative Blossoms: Pretty Pockets is an international giving project that creates pockets for medical tubes and equipment needed after surgery, focusing on people recovering from mastectomies.

Dress a Girl Around the World: This non-profit creates dresses for children around the world.

Operation First Response: This organization gives backpacks to support combat hospitals that often need handmade blankets and quilts.

Firehouse Quilts of Colorado, Inc.: This non-profit volunteer group makes quilts for children and patients in crisis.

The Netherlands

CreaPower: Inspire volunteers to donate their creative powers to help out others. Their website also has a list of other Dutch organizations.