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Three women sit at sewing machines in a room with wooden floors and white walls. A tall wooden shelving unit stands against the left wall, holding folded fabrics and other items. A window with decorative grilles and light curtains is behind the machines, letting in daylight. Two bags hang on the wall to the right, and a ceiling fan is mounted above. The women are focused on their work at the sewing stations.
  • 5 took part
  • 1 facilitator

Monday 28 September 2026

After the storm: unwinding with fabric sorting and slow Kantha craft

Facilitated by Shabana K H

What the work needed: people, time, money, space and materials.
What went in
Fabric scraps, cotton threads, Kantha needles, sorting trays
Time
6 hours

What was done with those inputs, step by step.

After two days of demanding work, frantic restitching, and tight deadlines, the stitching unit relaxed today. The team gathered around 2 p.m. When they heard that the tote bags they worked hard on received official clearance and moved to the sales stage, the room filled with excitement.

The high-pressure rush of the previous days was gone. In its place was a warm, quiet sense of accomplishment. Everyone gathered in a relaxed circle. They untangled and sorted colorful fabric scraps, shared stories, and sipped tea. They continued their slow Kantha practice.

Without rigid targets overhead, the team slowed down. They caught their breath and celebrated how far they have come together.

What changed for the people who took part, and what showed it.

Team morale shifted from high deadline stress to relaxed collaboration, evident from the casual atmosphere, open storytelling, and comfortable crafting pace

(Participants told us)

What the team will keep or change next time.

Slowing down after high-pressure production runs reduces burnout. It also strengthens team bonding and gives time to organize raw materials systematically.

LivelihoodStitching ClubShabana K Haikyam space

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