If youSA国际影视传媒檝e passed through the basement of the YK Centre on Franklin Avenue recently, you may have noticed the sounds of sewing machines clacking away.

Hard at work in the space that used to house Gourmet Cup are volunteer sewers who have spent the last four months turning recycled, donated fabric into new, colourful handbags.

ItSA国际影视传媒檚 a chance for them to practise their language skills in their new home country.

The project, an initiative of the NWT Literacy CouncilSA国际影视传媒檚 Community Connections program, aims to give newcomers to Yellowknife from all parts of the world the chance to practise their English language skills while contributing to a sustainable project.

As organizer Karen Johnson explained, the volunteers learn more than either sewing or language skills.

SA国际影视传媒淭he ladies are sewing, but while theySA国际影视传媒檙e sewing they might have a conversation about daycare,SA国际影视传媒� she says. SA国际影视传媒淪A国际影视传媒楬ow do I get daycare?SA国际影视传媒� Or, SA国际影视传媒楬ow do I sign my kids up for swimming lessons?SA国际影视传媒橲A国际影视传媒�

The project is an outgrowth of Boomerang Bags, an Australian-based non-profit that promotes the recycling of plastics and other materials by turning them into handbags. This particular project was made possible thanks to a grant from the GNWTSA国际影视传媒檚 Waste Reduction and Recycling Initiative.

Volunteers have been hard at work since March, and Johnson says they will have more than 60 bags to sell at the Ramble and Ride at the end of the month.

For volunteer Duyen Nguyen, who has been living in Yellowknife, the appeal of the project is simple: SA国际影视传媒淚 can speak English with people, I have new friends, and the people are friendly,SA国际影视传媒� she says.