We have partnered with the wonderful Machine Knit Community, who are raising funds for our mission. You can support their JustGiving initiative for TWAM here

https://www.justgiving.com/page/mkc-twam

MKC is a friendly, supportive community for machine knitters from around the world. They are sponsoring our work, supporting the 189 knitting machines refurbished and sent by TWAM so far in 2025. More info about MKC and the amazing work of Nic, Steve, and everyone there is on their website at https://www.mkc.community/

To describe the power one knitting machine can have, we would like to share the story of Nelly.

In Solwezi, Zambia, a simple knitting machine has transformed Nelly’s life. Through a tailoring workshop run by the local council and supported by donated equipment from TWAM, Nelly gained the skills to knit and sew.

Before the training, Nelly’s family struggled. Her husband relied on irregular day labour, and they couldn’t afford a home or school fees for their daughter. But after just three months of learning to knit, everything changed.

Today, Nelly makes and sells jerseys using donated knitting machines. She contributes to a community group, shares in the profits, and can feed her family. Even her husband benefits - no longer forced to take back-breaking day jobs just to scrape by. “Before, I had no skills and life was so difficult. Now I can buy food and send my daughter to school. Everything has changed now that I have knitting skills.”

Thanks to a knitting machine and a little training, Nelly has woven a brighter, more secure future for her family.

We are delighted to be able to partner with the Machine Knit Community, to spread the word about how just one knitting machine kit can change the world for a woman at a charity, organisation, or training centre overseas.

“I was thrilled when I was put in touch with Nic and Steve,” writes Tim, TWAM’s Fundraising and Communications Lead. “To have this opportunity to work together will mean so much for our community, and for those in Zambia and other countries to whom we send tools. I am personally so grateful to MKC for their generous offer of support.”

Whether by donating funds, giving old knitting machines, or volunteering, there are many ways you individually can support MKC's fundraiser. More information - including details of what tools we send - can be found on TWAM’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/toolswithamission

Rob hard at work refurbishing a knitting machine at our Rugby Refurbishment Centre