The first three days of class, the women have been practicing sewing in a straight line, using graph paper as a guide. Once they perfect this, they move on to practicing with fabric. Here I am introducing them to strip-piecing. We have set up a table in the shade for marking and cutting. But besides making sure the sewing machines are in good working order, it has been important to attend to other issues. Four of the women were complaining of sore eyes. When they visited the Ruharo Eye Clinic, it turned out that three of them needed glasses. Still another woman had what sounded like a bladder infection that had been untreated for one month. She visited the Ruharo clinic and is now on antibiotics. And another came to us complaining of lower abdominal pain. She has been HIV positive since 2002 - her husband died in 2001. We will arrange for her to have a full physical examination before she returns to her village. Despite all these possible setbacks, they are keen and enthusiastic, working on their machines from 8:30 in the morning until 5:30 or later in the evening, with an hour break for lunch in the middle of the day.
Kitambaa - Musings on my textile journey, and on life
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Outdoor Instruction
The first three days of class, the women have been practicing sewing in a straight line, using graph paper as a guide. Once they perfect this, they move on to practicing with fabric. Here I am introducing them to strip-piecing. We have set up a table in the shade for marking and cutting. But besides making sure the sewing machines are in good working order, it has been important to attend to other issues. Four of the women were complaining of sore eyes. When they visited the Ruharo Eye Clinic, it turned out that three of them needed glasses. Still another woman had what sounded like a bladder infection that had been untreated for one month. She visited the Ruharo clinic and is now on antibiotics. And another came to us complaining of lower abdominal pain. She has been HIV positive since 2002 - her husband died in 2001. We will arrange for her to have a full physical examination before she returns to her village. Despite all these possible setbacks, they are keen and enthusiastic, working on their machines from 8:30 in the morning until 5:30 or later in the evening, with an hour break for lunch in the middle of the day.
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Pippa, it's wonderful that your project is helping the women on more than just a sewing level. While I grumble about my progressives, it's humbling to read about the issues these women live with and be reminded how lucky we are to get what we need. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteLee in NB