Mary Gracy
Mary brought years of tailoring experience to aikyam but little confidence in herself as a teacher. Today she trains community members in stitching and bag-making, turning waste cloth saved from landfills into tote bags and pouches.
What Mary Gracy did here
Tote and duffle bags placed at Local Sustainable Living
The stitching team placed their cut-piece tote bags and duffle bags at Local Sustainable Living . This is an opportunity to understand how the products are received, and if demand grows, the team plans to continue making more bags.
Five new bag designs started for an Onam event
The stitching team is working on five new bag designs for an upcoming Onam event by Local Sustainable Living . The bags are being made using handloom fabric and fabric cut pieces to showcase sustainable craftsmanship.
The bag collection for sale kept growing
Members are collaborating to create a range of unique bag designs, with each session helping improve the collection for future sales.
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Ten new bag designs are being developed for sale
The stitching team is working together to develop 10 unique bag designs that can be introduced to the market. The focus is on creating products that are practical, well-finished, and made using sustainable materials.
Stitching techniques refined while new designs took shape
The team continued refining their stitching techniques while exploring new product designs.
The stitching lab moved upstairs to a bigger room
The stitching team shifted to a larger room upstairs to better support the growing programme. The new space provides more room for learning, organising materials, and working comfortably as more community members join the sessions. The move is an important step in preparing for future growth.
Growing numbers pushed the stitching team to plan a move
The stitching team discussed moving to a larger room as more community members are joining the programme. The additional space will help organise materials better and create a more comfortable environment for learning and production.
Practice went on with the new designs
The stitching team continued practicing new designs and improving their skills through regular hands-on sessions.
New product ideas tested at the stitching table
Members spent the session testing new product ideas and refining their stitching skills with each attempt.
Patterns tested for turning leftover fabric into products
The session tested different patterns for turning leftover fabric into useful products. New product designs from fabric cut pieces, and stitching skills improving alongside.
Members went to boutiques hunting better fabric scraps
During the stitching session, members visited local boutiques to collect better-quality fabric cut pieces for future products. The team also experimented with new travel bag designs, using the session to test ideas and improve their product range. The activity highlighted the importance of finding suitable materials while continuing to develop new designs.
Many of the fabric scraps turned out unusable
During the stitching session, the team found that many of the available fabric cut pieces were not suitable for making good-quality products. As a next step, members planned to visit more boutiques to look for better fabric scraps. The team also held a discussion on how to better support and engage Level 1 members so they can continue improving their stitching skills and take on more responsibilities in the future.
The team planned how to stay busy between orders
The stitching team discussed how to keep members regularly engaged when there are fewer production orders. Ideas such as developing new products, using fabric cut pieces, and improving existing designs were discussed to make better use of the available time.
Members practised on fabric scraps and tried out ideas
The stitching team spent the session practicing with fabric cut pieces and experimenting with different ideas. These exercises are helping members improve their skills while finding creative ways to turn leftover fabric into useful products.
The stitching team pushed on with new products
The stitching team continued working on new products while improving quality and exploring better production techniques.
More new designs, still made from fabric scraps
The stitching team continued exploring new designs while finding creative ways to use fabric cut pieces.
After the second batch, work began on new designs
With the second batch completed, the stitching team has started exploring new bag designs and products. The focus is now on making better use of fabric cut pieces by turning them into useful items instead of letting them go to waste. The team is experimenting with new ideas while finding practical ways to reduce material waste.
The second batch of bags is ready to deliver
The stitching team completed the second batch of bags, and the order is now being prepared for delivery. The journey from planning to production has helped the team improve their skills, teamwork, and quality with every batch.
The month closed with another production round done
The stitching team ended the month by completing another round of production and reflecting on the lessons learned throughout the journey. From learning basic stitching to handling customer orders, the month showed steady progress, teamwork, and a stronger focus on quality for the batches ahead.
The second batch of bags was finished
The stitching team completed the second batch of bags, marking another milestone in the programme. With each order, the team continues to build confidence, improve quality, and strengthen their production process.
Two bags were pulled out for iron stains
Two bags picked up water stains from the iron box during finishing and were pulled from the batch — they did not meet our standards. The rest of the order moved on.
A zipper's stitch line kept showing on the outside
The stitching team continued working on the new bag design while trying to attach the zipper neatly. A challenge they faced was that the stitching line became visible on the outside of the bag, affecting the final look. The team spent time discussing different methods and sharing ideas to achieve a cleaner finish without compromising the strength of the bag.
Everyone took a job to keep the order moving
Everyone took a job — measuring, cutting, stitching, quality checking — to keep the next production order moving. Focus and teamwork throughout.
Speed and teamwork improved on the current batch
The stitching team continued working on the current production batch, improving their speed and teamwork with each session. Regular practice is helping members gain confidence while maintaining product quality.
Curved cuts on handloom fabric are still not clean
Cutting smooth curves on handloom fabric is still not solved — it is thicker and more rigid than regular cloth. The team has tested several methods without finding one that gives a clean finish without wasting material. It is part of a new curved tote bag design.
Cutting techniques rehearsed before the next batch
Members of the stitching team spent the session practicing different cutting techniques for the next batch of bags. By testing patterns and measurements before production, they hope to reduce mistakes and improve consistency.
Three bags came out the wrong shape
Three bags came out in a different shape, from a misunderstanding about the required design. It made extra work — and it also taught the team a new bag pattern, and started a conversation about getting instructions clear before production begins. The rest of the second bag order carried on.
New members practised while seniors worked the bag order
New members worked on simple craft items from fabric cut pieces — basic stitching, and a sense of how materials get reused — while senior members carried on with the second bag order. The session split between learning and production.
Scraps put to use alongside the second tote batch
The stitching team continued working on the second batch of tote bags. Alongside production, members explored how fabric cut pieces can be turned into useful products instead of being discarded. The session focused on reducing waste while creating new learning and livelihood opportunities.
A plastic-free zipper proved hard to find
A zipper without plastic is proving hard to find — most of what the market offers has it. The team is still looking. The session's work was a laptop bag design, and ways to add proper padding for protection.
A seventeen-year-old joined the stitching class on her vacation
The stitching session welcomed a new participant: a 17-year-old student who joined during her vacation with the goal of learning stitching skills. Existing members warmly supported and guided her as she took her first steps in mastering the craft.
Fever slowed work on the second batch
Meanwhile, the team continued working on the second production batch. Progress, however, was slower than anticipated, as several members were unable to attend regularly due to a bout of fever. Despite these challenges, the session reflected the growing interest in the programme and highlighted the importance of developing strategies to ensure continuity when key members are unavailable.
The second production order got under way
The stitching team has started work on their second production order. Compared to the first batch, participants are more confident with the process and are beginning to take greater ownership of quality checks and production planning. The experience is helping the group understand both the opportunities and challenges involved in creating products for real-world use.
Canvas samples tested shapes and sizes for a buyer
Sample bags in canvas cloth, testing shapes, sizes and construction methods against a buyer's requirements. The exercise showed the team what to improve before production starts.
A second tote bag order has begun
Having successfully completed their first batch, the stitching team has moved on to a second tote bag order. Drawing on lessons from the first batch, members are handling the new project with increased confidence and a commitment to quality and teamwork.
The first fifteen bags went to FOSS United
The completion of the first batch of 15 tote bags was a major milestone for the Stitching Club. The bags were handed over to Siddharth Shivkumar from FOSS United , celebrating the collective effort of everyone who contributed.
Fifteen tote bags are ready for delivery
The stitching team is getting ready to deliver its first batch of 15 tote bags. From fabric cutting and stitching to finishing and quality checks, every step has been carried out by the participants themselves. This is definitely an exciting step in their learning and livelihood journey!
Roles split across measuring, cutting, stitching and finishing
The stitching group continued working together on bag production, with participants taking up different roles such as measuring, cutting, stitching, and finishing. Through teamwork and regular practice, the group is steadily improving their skills while preparing products for customer orders.
Bag production moved on with the team owning each stage
The stitching team continued making steady progress on bag production, taking ownership of each stage, from cutting and stitching to finishing and quality checks. Working collaboratively and supporting one another throughout the process, participants are building confidence, strengthening their skills, and gaining valuable experience through real customer orders.
Work continued on the club's first customer order
The stitching team continued work on their first customer order, carefully bringing each piece together with attention and skill. The process offered valuable hands-on experience, helping participants build confidence while working collaboratively toward a shared goal.
Supplies prepared and techniques tried on the fabric at hand
Through a shared making session, participants prepared supplies, explored stitching techniques, and worked together to imagine new possibilities for the fabric on hand.
One-to-one coaching on handling the sewing machines
Participants continued their stitching practice with one-on-one guidance. The session focused on improving basic techniques, understanding machine handling, and building confidence through regular practice.
A relaxed session of sorting fabric and practising stitches
A relaxed session — sorting fabric pieces, preparing materials, practising stitches. Teamwork, shared learning, and creative conversations about what the fabric could become.
Stitchers were grouped by skill for a coming bag order
Participants were grouped by skill level, from beginners to experienced members who can support and teach others, ahead of an upcoming bag order. The group discussed roles and responsibilities, production planning and quality checks. Members are taking on more responsibility as their skills build.
Another day of practice on finishing techniques
Another productive day at the stitching class as students continued refining their skills through hands-on practice. From measuring and cutting fabric to improving finishing techniques, each session brings greater confidence and attention to detail.
Beginners learned by watching the more experienced
Beginners learned by watching. More experienced learners shared tips and techniques, and the session became a space for both skill-building and mutual support.
The class edged towards production-quality work
The class is edging from basic practice towards production-quality work. Students worked together on cutting, sorting and preparing materials, improving step by step — a session of teamwork, fabric and learning.
Intermediate students began teaching the beginners
Intermediate students are now guiding beginners step by step — techniques, confidence, growing together. The class is slowly becoming a shared learning space where students support one another.
The bags are getting neater and stronger
The bags are getting stronger and neater, and closer to production quality. Regular practice is showing in the skills, the finishing and the teamwork.
Women practised making production-quality bags from leftover fabric
Women gathered to practise cutting, measuring and stitching — learning to make strong, production-quality tote bags from leftover fabric. The class keeps growing as a space for learning, teamwork and creativity.
Students worked from sorting scraps to neat finishing
The stitching class continued with students learning each step patiently, from sorting fabric pieces to finishing neat stitches. With the support of the teacher, simple materials are slowly turning into strong and colourful tote bags made with care and teamwork.
Cutting, measuring and stitching practised under the teacher
Under the teacher's guidance, students practised cutting, measuring and stitching with care. The room was full of learning, teamwork and quiet concentration. They are working towards production-quality tote bags, building confidence a step at a time.
The stitching class talked designs, not just sewing
The stitching class also became a space for discussion, sharing ideas, and learning together beyond just sewing. Students spent time understanding designs, materials, and different ways to improve their bag making skills step by step.
Fabric slowly turned into bags and pouches
Fabric is slowly turning into bags and pouches. Practice, patience, small improvements at every step — and a space that has become one of learning, support and shared creativity.
Students grew more confident handling fabric
The stitching class continued with students learning how to work with fabric more confidently each day. From cutting cloth to finishing small details, the sessions are helping the community slowly build practical skills through regular practice.
Measurements, cutting and patterns taught from the basics
The stitching class focused on learning measurements, fabric cutting, and bag patterns from the basics. Students worked together with care, practicing each step slowly as the space fills with learning, teamwork, and creativity.
Tracing patterns and preparing cloth for the machines
Tracing patterns, then preparing cloth for the machines. The room is full of fabric pieces and measurement tapes, and quiet concentration — every session leaves them more confident with the process.
The stitching room fills up every day
The stitching space comes alive every day with practice, conversations, and learning. From beginners to those who are more confident using the machines, each session helps the community build the skills they need.
Members learned to make a tote bag from scratch
Members are learning to make a tote bag from scratch — measuring, cutting, then stitching on the machines. Practice, guidance and teamwork, week by week.
Stitching classes got set timings and checklists
The stitching classes proceed in a more structured way, with proper timings and simple checklists for students to follow. Beginning from the basics, the sessions help members learn slowly and steadily, with more clarity and consistency.
The wall of finished bags shows the class's progress
The progress of the stitching class is reflected on the wall, with each bag telling its own story. From simple designs to creative patterns, every piece reflects the learning, effort, and growth of the community.
Practical stitching sessions for tote bags started from the basics
We have started practical stitching sessions for tote bags, right from the basics. Using simple methods like straight cutting and measuring, everyone learns step by step, helping each other along the way.
New fabrics and patterns tried out on zip pouches
In the stitching class, different fabrics and patterns were tried to create zip pouches in new styles. Each piece reflects practice and experimentation, showing how ideas are slowly turning into finished products.
A plain piece of fabric became a zip pouch
In the stitching class, a simple piece of fabric was shaped into a neat pouch with a zip. With practice and attention to detail, it became a small but complete product made by hand.
Practice turned into a finished piece
With each stitch, the design came together—turning practice into a finished piece.
The stitching teacher trained while members watched and helped
A dedicated training session was arranged for the stitching faculty to focus on tote bag making. Around it, community members gathered with support and involvement, sharing inputs, observing closely, and growing together.
A new group started with tote bags and repairs
Community women gathered to begin learning stitching, starting with tote bags and simple repairs. It became a space to build skills, support each other, and create something useful together.
Neater zips and edges show the skills improving
Small details like the zip and neat edges show how skills are slowly improving with each session.
A student made a whole bag on their own
One of our students shared this with us: “At first, I didn’t know how to stitch. Today, I made this bag on my own"
The first Constitution tote bag sample was made
Our first constitution tote bag sample—simple, yet deeply meaningful. With the Constitution printed on it, the bag carries not just utility, but a reminder of the values we believe in and hope to take forward.
One member turned collected scraps into a single bag
Using collected fabric cut pieces, one of the community members brought together colors, patterns, and ideas to create this unique bag. What could have been waste is now a thoughtful piece, shaped by creativity, patience, and skill.
Scrap fabric sorted and given a new purpose
Scrap fabric is being sorted, stitched and reimagined. What once seemed like waste finds a purpose — every small piece, leftovers turned into possibilities.
Community members shared skills at the stitching session
Community members came together for a stitching session, sharing skills, ideas, and time. With each stitch, confidence grows and creativity begins to take shape.
Fabric bound for landfill was collected from tailor shops
Fabric pieces once headed for landfills were collected from local tailor shops and boutiques by a community member. Now, through sorting and care, they are being given a second life, slowly turning waste into something meaningful.
A member's own idea became a small bag
An idea from one of the community members turned into this beautiful little bag. With excitement and curiosity, it was brought to life, one stitch at a time, full of personal touch and joy.
Groundwork laid for tote bag production, stitch by stitch
Careful hands are laying the groundwork for tote bag production, one stitch at a time.
From measurements to single stitches, a patient session
From learning measurements to understanding each stitch, the session was filled with patience, focus, and the joy of creating something by hand.
Careful practice ahead of bulk tote bag production
Preparing for bulk tote bag production, the stitching faculty is setting the foundation with careful practice and precision.
Screen printing practice started for Preamble bags and shirts
Screen printing practice has just begun, slowly working towards bringing the Constitutional Preamble onto tote bags and T-shirts.
Community women made tote bags and learned basic repairs
Community women came together to make tote bags and learn basic stitching and repair skills.
Three members turned boutique offcuts into tote bags
3 Community Members worked with Mary Gracy and Haseena in the Lab. They worked on Tote Bags from Cut Pieces collected from Boutiques.
Six members mended their own clothes in the stitching lab
6 Community Members worked with Mary Gracy in the Lab. They started stitching their own clothes using materials they already had at home, taking time to fix and finish each part neatly.
The Stitching Club runs daily except Mondays, free and in Malayalam
A free stitching club, facilitated by Mary Gracy, runs daily from 2 to 6 pm except Mondays, in Malayalam, with all tools and equipment provided. Seats are limited, with preference to low income and underserved households from Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and nearby. It runs across four levels: repair, upcycling boutique offcuts into bags and pouches, earning 2K–5K a month from what you make, and setting up your own club.
Their story
What people said
One of our students
“At first, I didn't know how to stitch. Today, I made this bag on my own.”