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Mary Gracy

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

Show all 99 sessions
  • A woman wearing a headscarf sits at a wooden table with three children, all leaning forward and focused on a craft activity involving yellow string and a small spool.

    From tangled yarn to teamwork

    12 September · Curiosity Club

    This Saturday, 21 children learned to crochet. A facilitator from aikyam’s stitching unit led the session, bringing a skill already present within the community into the Curiosity Club. We organised the children into three groups of approximately seven and gave everyone a crochet hook and colourful yarn. Some of the boys hesitated at first, saying they did not want to try crochet. Once they had the materials, their interest grew quickly. Most of the children concentrated and tried to understand the movements. Supporting everyone with one crochet facilitator was challenging. She explained the technique to one table at a time, meaning some children had to wait. Several children already knew how to crochet, so we encouraged them to help someone else. They demonstrated the movements, encouraging and patiently supporting their friends. What began as a practical challenge became an example of peer learning, cooperation and children sharing skills. Our main learning was that an activity like crochet needs a clear whole-group demonstration at the beginning. Next time, we would first show the basic movement where everyone can see it before moving into smaller-group and individual support. We would also identify children with previous experience earlier and pair them with those needing additional help. Initial hesitation soon turned into concentration, conversation and shared learning. The session reminded us of the value of drawing on skills from within the community and giving children the opportunity to learn from both adults and one another.

  • Four women sit on a wooden floor in a room, surrounded by pieces of fabric in various colors and patterns, sorting and arranging them. One woman wears a pink headscarf and a patterned top, another wears a light green top, a third wears a white patterned outfit, and the fourth wears a red top. A large open cardboard box lies in the foreground. In the background, there are shelves with bags and other items, a sewing machine on a table, and another sewing machine on a desk near a window with grilles. A chair with a patterned cloth draped over it stands near the desk.

    Techniques for balancing puzzle pieces

    8 September · Stitching Club

    During the Kantha workshop, the team faced challenges in aligning puzzle pieces, which led to experimenting with black and white contrasts as well as dark and light shades to achieve proper layout balance. Once the layout was finalized, participants developed technical precision by systematically ironing, cutting fabrics into 4.5 cm pieces, and sorting them by color palette. Lay the pieces out on paper before cutting fabric. Small differences in shade change how the whole layout reads, and paper is the cheap place to find that out.

  • Six women are seated together in a room, arranged in a row facing slightly toward one another. Five of the women wear headscarves, while one has her hair pulled back. They are dressed in patterned and solid-colored traditional garments in shades of red, pink, white, and cream. One woman rests her chin on her hand, another sits with her arms crossed, and the others have their hands in their laps or resting on their legs. Behind them, a table holds metal containers, and clothing hangs on hooks on the wall. A whiteboard is mounted on the wall, and a doorway with a window is visible in the background. A glass-topped table in the foreground reflects the women sitting above it.

    Stitching team plans how to share production work

    4 September · Stitching Club

    Shabana met with the stitching team to discuss the new designs, current orders, and the concerns members were facing while handling different tasks. The main challenge was managing time and coordinating several duties at once. We divided responsibilities across the team, from sorting cut pieces and ironing fabric to stitching the final products.

  • Several women are working in a room with sewing machines and fabric. One woman in the foreground stands at a table cutting material, while others sit at sewing machines along the wall. A whiteboard hangs on the wall, and shelves hold various items. A wooden bench sits in the middle of the room, and a doorway leads to another area.

    Stitching team balances new designs with current orders

    3 September · Stitching Club

    The stitching team learned to work on current orders while also practising new bag designs. This helped the members understand how to manage regular production without stopping the learning and development of new products.

  • A room with wooden floors where several women are engaged in sewing and fabric work. One woman sits at a sewing machine on the left, another works with fabric on the floor in the center, and two more women sit at sewing machines along the right side near a window with decorative grilles. A whiteboard hangs on the wall, a tall wooden shelving unit stands in the corner, and various bags and materials are visible throughout the space.

    Stitching team starts another 50-bag order for FOSS United

    1 September · Stitching Club

    The stitching team started work on another order of 50 bags for FOSS United. The bags are being prepared for an upcoming festival in Bengaluru, giving the team another opportunity to work together on production, quality and timely delivery.

  • A woman with long dark hair, wearing a yellow outfit with a red scarf, sits at a table operating a black sewing machine. She guides a piece of light-colored fabric under the needle. Another sewing machine sits on the table behind her. The room has a wooden floor, a window with decorative glass panes, and a chair visible in the background. A white curtain hangs to the right.

    Stitching team narrows its focus to two bag designs

    31 August · Stitching Club

    We tried several designs and collected feedback. We are now planning to focus on two bags. Mary is working on the next round of samples to improve every detail — material, stitching, comfort, strength and finishing — before the designs are finalised.

  • A person with dark hair tied back, wearing glasses and a blue and pink outfit, sits at a table operating a white sewing machine. They are guiding a large piece of black fabric under the needle. To the left, a white bag with black polka dots hangs on the wall. Behind the sewing machine, a metal stand holds several spools of thread. To the right, a whiteboard is mounted on the wall above a pile of folded fabrics on a stand, and a black chair is positioned nearby.

    Stitching faculty prepares a new cut-piece bag sample

    27 August · Stitching Club

    The stitching faculty - Mary Gracy worked on a new cut-piece bag sample to introduce another model to the students. Once the sample is ready, it will be used to teach the design step by step and help students practise the new pattern.

  • A group of people are seated in a room with wooden flooring, arranged around a large wooden table and chairs. On the table are various items including a blue folder, a pink object, and strips of green material. Several individuals are wearing patterned clothing and headscarves. In the background, there is a sewing machine on a small table, shelves with items, bags hanging on the wall, and a doorway leading outside where another person is visible.

    Stitching team reviews designs, stock and upcoming stalls

    18 August · Stitching Club

    We met as the stitching team to look at the current bag designs, change a few of them, and decide on the lowest number we needed in stock for regular sales. We also talked about upcoming events and stalls, what we needed to make, and how much money we needed to prepare and sell the products.

  • Two women are seated at a table with a sewing machine between them. The woman in the foreground, wearing glasses and a patterned top with a red scarf, is guiding fabric under the needle while operating the machine. The woman behind her, wearing glasses and a yellow top with a blue scarf, leans in to assist, her hands near the machine's mechanism. A piece of fabric with black straps lies on the table beside the machine. In the background, a window with a decorative metal grille lets in daylight, and a wall-mounted textile hangs on the left.

    A new student starts learning the sewing machine

    10 August · Stitching Club

    A new student joined the Stitching Club and began learning how to use the sewing machine with Mary Gracy. The session started with the basics, helping her understand the machine and build confidence before moving on to stitching practice.

  • A room with wooden floors contains several people working at sewing machines. On the left, one person sits at a machine while another stands beside them wearing a blue patterned outfit and head covering. On the right, another person in a red top sits at a sewing machine near a window with patterned grilles. A wooden bench sits in the middle of the room, and shelves with various items line the wall. Clothes hang on the left wall, and a whiteboard is visible in the background.

    Five bag designs being prepared for regular stock

    8 August · Stitching Club

    The stitching team practised five bag designs and improved the finishing on each one before moving into regular production. We planned to maintain a minimum stock of these designs every month so that we were ready for new orders and sales opportunities.

  • A woman with dark hair tied back and wearing glasses sits at a white sewing table, operating a white industrial sewing machine. She is dressed in a blue top with gold trim over a peach-colored garment with blue pants. Her hands guide a piece of patterned green fabric under the needle. To her left on the table lies a folded red piece of fabric with a grid pattern. A black chair is positioned beside her, and a whiteboard is visible on the wall behind.

    Tote and duffle bags placed at Local Sustainable Living

    6 August · Stitching Club

    The stitching team put their cut-piece tote bags and duffle bags at Local Sustainable Living on 14 March 2024. We wanted to see how people reacted to them. If enough people buy them, we’ll make more.

  • Two women sit on a wooden floor, each working with fabric. The woman on the left wears a blue top and blue pants with a peach-colored cloth draped over her lap, holding a piece of patterned green fabric. The woman on the right wears a purple patterned tunic with a white scarf and white pants, smoothing a large piece of solid green fabric. A pair of scissors lies on the floor nearby. In the background, a white ironing board stands against a wall, and a wooden shelf holds various items including bags and containers.

    Five new bag designs started for an Onam event

    4 August · Stitching Club

    The stitching team worked on five new bag designs for the upcoming Onam event by Local Sustainable Living. We made the bags using handloom fabric and fabric cut pieces.

  • A collection of fabric tote bags hangs on a wall, arranged in two rows. The bags vary in size, color, and pattern, including patchwork designs, solid colors, stripes, checks, and floral prints. Some bags have long straps while others have shorter handles. A few bags are hung by their straps, while others are suspended from hooks. One bag in the lower left has a printed design on its front. A white electrical outlet is visible on the wall near the bottom right.

    The bag collection for sale kept growing

    31 July · Stitching Club

    Members collaborated to create a range of unique bag designs, with each session helping improve the collection for future sales.

  • In a room with tiled floors, four women are engaged in sewing-related work. Two women sit at sewing machines at a long wooden table near a window, while another woman sits on the floor cutting fabric, assisted by a fourth woman leaning over her. Fabric pieces and a large white sack lie on the floor, and an ironing board stands against the wall. Bags hang on the wall, and a framed piece of artwork is visible on the left.

    Ten new bag designs are being developed for sale

    28 July · Stitching Club

    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.

  • Three women are in a room with wooden floors and sewing equipment. On the left, a woman in a light blue and pink outfit stands at a table holding a piece of fabric. In the center, a woman in a dark green dress and matching headscarf stands facing them. On the right, another woman sits at a sewing machine by a window with patterned glass, working on fabric. A second sewing machine sits on a table nearby, and shelves with supplies line the back wall. A pair of yellow scissors rests on a table in the foreground.

    Stitching techniques refined while new designs took shape

    24 July · Stitching Club

    The team continued refining their stitching techniques while exploring new product designs.

  • Three women are in a room with wooden floors and sewing equipment. On the left, a woman in a light blue and pink outfit stands at a table holding a piece of fabric. In the center, a woman in a dark green dress and matching headscarf stands facing them. On the right, another woman sits at a sewing machine by a window with patterned glass, working on fabric. A second sewing machine sits on a table nearby, and shelves with supplies line the back wall. A pair of yellow scissors rests on a table in the foreground.

    The stitching lab moved upstairs to a bigger room

    15 July · Stitching Club

    We moved the stitching team upstairs to a larger room on 14 March 2024. The new space gave us more room for teaching, sorting materials, and working comfortably as more people joined the sessions. The move helped us prepare for future growth.

  • A group of women work in a bright room filled with sewing machines and fabric. In the foreground, a woman in a pink polka-dot shirt sits at a sewing machine, guiding dark fabric under the needle. Beside her on the floor, another woman in a black top and brown headscarf folds light-colored fabric. Further back, two women sit at separate sewing stations near a window, one wearing a white top with a red scarf and the other in a yellow top. Several sewing machines are set up on tables throughout the space, with bags hanging on the wall behind them and piles of fabric and materials nearby. A cardboard box sits on the floor to the right.

    Growing numbers pushed the stitching team to plan a move

    14 July

    We discussed moving the stitching team to a larger room because more community members are joining the programme. The extra space will help us organise materials better and make the learning and production environment more comfortable.

  • A group of women work in a bright room filled with sewing machines and fabric. In the foreground, a woman in a pink polka-dot shirt sits at a sewing machine, guiding dark fabric under the needle. Beside her on the floor, another woman in a black top and brown headscarf folds light-colored fabric. Further back, two women sit at separate sewing stations near a window, one wearing a white top with a red scarf and the other in a yellow top. Several sewing machines are set up on tables throughout the space, with bags hanging on the wall behind them and piles of fabric and materials nearby. A cardboard box sits on the floor to the right.

    Practice went on with the new designs

    13 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued practicing new designs and improving their skills through regular hands-on sessions.

  • Two women are working with fabric and sewing machines in a room. One woman stands holding a piece of red cloth while the other sits on a wooden bench operating a sewing machine. A second sewing machine sits on a table nearby, along with a handbag and scissors. A window with decorative glass and curtains is visible in the background.

    New product ideas tested at the stitching table

    11 July · Stitching Club

    Members spent the session testing new product ideas and refining their stitching skills with each attempt.

  • A woman in a patterned dress stands with her arms crossed, observing another woman seated at a black sewing machine. The seated woman, wearing a blue shawl over a patterned outfit and glasses, guides a piece of black fabric under the needle. The sewing machine sits on a table with a blue edge, and a window with decorative glass panes is visible behind them.

    Patterns tested for turning leftover fabric into products

    10 July · Stitching Club

    We tested different patterns for turning leftover fabric into useful products. New product designs came from fabric cut pieces, and our stitching skills improved.

  • A group of women work together in a room filled with sewing supplies and fabric. Some sit on the floor cutting and handling material, while others work at tables with sewing machines. Bags hang on the wall, and piles of cloth and plastic bags are stacked around the space.

    Members went to boutiques hunting better fabric scraps

    9 July · Stitching Club

    During the stitching session on 14 March, we visited local boutiques to collect better-quality fabric cut pieces for future products. We also experimented with new travel bag designs, using the session to test ideas and improve our product range. The activity highlighted the importance of finding suitable materials while continuing to develop new designs.

  • A group of women work together in a room filled with sewing machines and piles of colorful fabric scraps. Some women sit on the floor sorting through the materials, while others stand or sit at tables operating sewing machines. Bags hang on the wall behind them, and a window with a decorative grille lets in light.

    Many of the fabric scraps turned out unusable

    8 July · Stitching Club

    During the stitching session, we found that many of the available fabric cut pieces were not suitable for making good-quality products. As a next step, we planned to visit more boutiques to look for better fabric scraps. We 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.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, working with fabric. Some are seated on the floor surrounded by piles of colorful cloth scraps, sorting and handling the material. Others are seated at tables with sewing machines, while a few stand nearby holding pieces of fabric. The room has a casual workshop atmosphere with various textiles and equipment visible throughout the space.

    The team planned how to stay busy between orders

    7 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team discussed how to keep members regularly engaged when there were fewer production orders. We talked about developing new products, using fabric cut pieces, and improving existing designs to make better use of the available time.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor around a large sheet of white paper, with one woman using a measuring tape on it while the others watch. A patterned cloth and an orange mat lie nearby, along with a wooden bench holding folded fabrics and a polka-dotted bag. In the background, shelves hold bags and containers, including a large sack with a printed design.

    Members practised on fabric scraps and tried out ideas

    6 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team spent the session practicing with fabric cut pieces and experimenting with different ideas. These exercises helped members improve their skills while finding creative ways to turn leftover fabric into useful products.

  • A group of women are working at sewing machines in a room with wooden floors and white walls. In the foreground, a woman wearing glasses and a patterned top sits at a machine, holding scissors. Behind her, another woman in a patterned top works at a machine near a window. Further back, a woman in a green outfit sits while another woman in a purple patterned top stands beside her, holding fabric. A sewing machine sits on a separate table to the left, and a whiteboard is mounted on the back wall.

    The stitching team pushed on with new products

    4 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued working on new products while improving quality and exploring better production techniques.

  • A collage of five fabric bags arranged in two columns. The top left shows a green bag with a pink front pocket. Below it is an orange tote bag with a blue front pocket and two handles. The bottom left shows a dark quilted bag with a floral pattern and a single strap. The top right shows a dark quilted backpack with a floral pattern, a front flap, and a zippered pocket. The bottom right shows a red bag with a white grid pattern and two shoulder straps.

    More new designs, still made from fabric scraps

    3 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued exploring new designs while finding creative ways to use fabric cut pieces.

  • A woman in a pink polka-dot shirt sits at a sewing machine, guiding dark fabric under the needle while wearing a watch. Beside her on the floor, another woman in a black top and brown headscarf folds white fabric. In the background, two women sit at separate sewing stations, one in a red and white outfit and another in yellow, both working at machines. Several bags hang on the wall behind them, and large sacks of materials are stacked nearby. A chair stands between the work areas, and a framed picture hangs on the wall.

    After the second batch, work began on new designs

    2 July · Stitching Club

    We finished the second batch and started looking at new bag designs and products. We're now focusing on making better use of fabric cut pieces by turning them into useful items instead of letting them go to waste. We're experimenting with new ideas while finding practical ways to reduce material waste.

  • A group of people are gathered in a room that appears to be a workshop or classroom. Some are seated at tables with sewing machines and fabric, while others sit on the floor working with paper and materials. A patterned bag rests on a wooden bench in the foreground, and a person in a pink floral dress stands near a table covered with cloth.

    The second batch of bags is ready to deliver

    1 July · Stitching Club

    The stitching team completed the second batch of bags, and the order is now being prepared for delivery. The team improved their skills, teamwork, and quality with every batch.

  • A group of women and girls are in a room with sewing machines and fabric. Some are seated at tables working at machines, while others sit on the floor or on a wooden bench. Bags hang on the wall behind them, and stacks of folded material are on the tables. One person in a pink and yellow outfit kneels on the floor reaching toward another person in red who is sitting with their back turned. A woman in a pink floral dress stands at a table on the right side of the room.

    The month closed with another production round done

    30 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team finished the month by completing another round of production and thinking about what we learned. We went from learning basic stitching to handling customer orders. The month showed we worked better as a team and we focused more on quality for the next batches.

  • A woman sits at a wooden table in a workshop, operating a sewing machine while handling large pieces of light-colored fabric. She wears glasses, a black lace top over a red garment, and a black-and-white patterned skirt. Stacks of folded fabric bags are piled on a table in front of her, and she appears to be working on one. A sewing machine is positioned on the table beside her, and shelves with various items are visible in the background.

    The second batch of bags was finished

    29 June · Stitching Club

    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.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor around a large sheet of white paper. One woman in a brown top holds a measuring tape across the paper while another in a red top looks on, and a third woman in a purple top watches with her hand near her face. A large sack, patterned fabric, and a wooden bench are visible in the background.

    Two bags were pulled out for iron stains

    27 June · Stitching Club

    Two bags picked up water stains from the iron box during finishing and we pulled them from the batch — they did not meet our standards. The rest of the order moved on.

  • Three women are gathered around sewing machines in a room. One woman stands at the left machine, wearing a blue top and an orange lower garment, guiding fabric through the machine. Another woman sits at the middle machine, wearing a patterned green and white top, with her back to the camera. A third woman sits at the right machine, wearing a light blue top and a brown head covering, also working at a sewing machine. A long wooden bench sits in front of them, holding papers and a phone. To the right, a tall wooden shelving unit holds folded fabrics and other items. In the background, a doorway leads to another room with a green sofa.

    A zipper's stitch line kept showing on the outside

    25 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued working on the new bag design while trying to attach the zipper neatly. We found the stitching line became visible on the outside of the bag, which affected the final look. We spent time discussing different methods and sharing ideas to achieve a cleaner finish without compromising the strength of the bag.

  • A group of women are working in a room filled with sewing supplies and fabric. Some are seated on the floor cutting and measuring material, while others sit at tables operating sewing machines. One woman stands holding a piece of cloth, and bags hang on the wall behind her. A window with patterned glass lets in light, and various textiles and tools are scattered throughout the space.

    Everyone took a job to keep the order moving

    24 June · Stitching Club

    We measured, cut, stitched and quality-checked to keep the next production order moving. We focused and worked as a team.

  • Four women are in a room with wooden flooring and a large window with patterned glass and light curtains. Three of them are seated at sewing machines, each focused on their work, while one woman stands beside them wearing a pink patterned outfit. A wooden bench holds folded fabrics in bright colors, including pink and blue with white trim. To the left, a tall shelving unit holds various items, and a doorway leads to another room with more stacked materials.

    Speed and teamwork improved on the current batch

    23 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued working on the current production batch. We improved our speed and teamwork with each session. Regular practice helped us gain confidence while maintaining product quality.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor in a room, engaged in an activity involving newspapers and craft supplies. One woman in a purple and white patterned outfit sits cross-legged, holding a folded newspaper. Another woman in a dark floral outfit sits beside her, also working with a newspaper. A third woman in a purple top sits to the left, looking toward the others. On the floor between them are sheets of orange paper, a pair of scissors, a black ruler, a white cloth bag, and a mobile phone. A black chair stands nearby, and a woven mat lies on the floor in the background.

    Curved cuts on handloom fabric are still not clean

    22 June · Stitching Club

    We still haven't solved cutting smooth curves on the handloom fabric. It's thicker and more rigid than regular cloth. The team tested several methods without finding one that gives a clean finish without wasting material. This is part of a new curved tote bag design.

  • Two people sit on a tiled floor working with large pieces of white fabric and orange mats, surrounded by scattered fabric scraps and tools. Behind them, a low table covered with a pink cloth holds a blue bag, and yellow cloths hang from a window above. A small table with a red cloth stands to the left, next to a metal bin.

    Cutting techniques rehearsed before the next batch

    20 June · Stitching Club

    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 hoped to reduce mistakes and improve consistency.

  • In a bright workshop, several women are working at sewing machines and standing around tables. In the foreground, a woman in a white top operates a sewing machine while another woman in a pink shirt stands beside her looking down. To the left, a woman in a red headscarf and patterned top works at another machine. Behind her, a woman in a dark patterned dress reaches up toward a framed piece on the wall. In the background, another woman sits at a table near a window, and several bags hang on the wall along with framed artwork.

    Three bags came out the wrong shape

    19 June · Stitching Club

    Three bags came out the wrong shape because we misunderstood the design brief. This caused extra work, but we learned a new bag pattern and started talking about checking instructions properly before we began production. The rest of the second bag order continued as planned.

  • Three women are seated at sewing machines in a room with light-colored walls and flooring. On the left wall, several framed artworks are hung above a tall wooden shelving unit. On the back wall, more framed pieces are displayed alongside various handbags hanging from hooks. A long wooden bench sits beneath the wall displays. To the right, a window with curtains allows light into the space, and a wooden table holds additional equipment.

    New members practised while seniors worked the bag order

    18 June · Stitching Club

    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.

  • A group of women work together in a room filled with sewing machines and piles of colorful fabric scraps. Some sit on the floor sorting through the materials, while others stand at tables or operate machines. Bags hang on the wall behind them, and a window with patterned glass lets in light.

    Scraps put to use alongside the second tote batch

    17 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued working on the second batch of tote bags. We also looked at how to turn fabric cut pieces into useful products instead of throwing them away. The session focused on reducing waste while creating new learning and livelihood opportunities.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, working on fabric crafts. Several sit on the floor surrounded by pieces of cloth and sewing materials, while others sit at wooden tables using sewing machines. The walls are decorated with framed artwork and hanging bags, and a tall wooden shelving unit stands against one wall. Natural light comes in through a window with a grille.

    A plastic-free zipper proved hard to find

    16 June · Stitching Club

    We found it hard to source a zipper without plastic; most options had it. We kept looking. The session involved designing a laptop bag and thinking about proper padding for protection.

  • A group of women work in a bright room with sewing machines and fabric. Some sit at tables operating machines, while others sit on the floor cutting and handling large pieces of cloth. Bags hang on the wall, and finished textiles are stacked on tables. A patterned bag rests on a long wooden bench in the foreground.

    A seventeen-year-old joined the stitching class on her vacation

    15 June · Stitching Club

    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.

  • Three women are seated at sewing machines in a room with wooden floors and a large window with decorative grilles. One woman stands beside them near a tall wooden shelving unit holding folded fabrics and other items. A clock hangs on the wall above a doorway leading to another room where more materials are visible. A table with an ironing board stands to the left, and a chair with a cushion is in the foreground.

    Fever slowed work on the second batch

    15 June · Stitching Club

    Meanwhile, we continued working on the second production batch. Progress was slower than anticipated, as several members were unable to attend regularly due to having fever. Despite this, the session reflected the growing interest in the programme and highlighted the importance of developing strategies to ensure continuity when key members were unavailable.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor working with fabric. One woman in a red headscarf and patterned dress sits on the left, another in a yellow top and green skirt sits in the middle, and a third in a patterned outfit sits on the right. They are handling light-colored cloth and tools laid out before them. In the background, a wooden table covered with a pink cloth holds a blue bag and other items, while a metal bin stands nearby against a plain wall.

    The second production order got under way

    13 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team started work on their second production order. Compared to the first batch, participants were more confident with the process and began to take greater ownership of quality checks and production planning. The experience helped the group understand both the opportunities and challenges involved in creating products for real-world use.

  • In a room with light-colored tiled floors and white walls, several women are engaged in textile work. In the foreground, one woman in a black outfit leans over another woman seated on the floor wearing a red headscarf and patterned top; they are surrounded by folded fabric and a measuring tape. In the background, two other women sit at separate sewing machines on a wooden bench, each focused on their work. A white garment hangs on the back of one chair. Along the wall, an ironing board with a blue iron stands beneath hanging tote bags and papers, and a framed piece of art is mounted on the wall. A window with a decorative grille lets in light from the right side of the room.

    Canvas samples tested shapes and sizes for a buyer

    12 June · Stitching Club

    We tested sample bags in canvas cloth, checking shapes, sizes and construction against the buyer's requirements. The exercise showed us what we needed to improve before production started.

  • A person wearing a white headscarf and a colorful patterned dress stands at a wooden table, cutting a piece of white fabric with scissors. To their left, a black sewing machine sits on the table next to a stack of folded fabrics and embroidery hoops. A calculator and some small items are also on the table surface. Behind the person, a wooden door is visible, and to the right, a doorway leads to another room where bags are stacked on the floor. A curtain hangs on the far left side of the frame.

    A second tote bag order has begun

    11 June · Stitching Club

    We finished the first batch of tote bags and started another one. We're handling this new order with more confidence, learning from the first batch. We're committed to quality and teamwork.

  • Five people stand together indoors on a wooden floor. On the left, a man in a brown t-shirt and blue jeans holds one handle of a white bag. Next to him, a woman in a red top and red pants holds the other handle. To her right, a woman in a dark blue dress and a light brown headscarf stands with her hand on the bag. Beside her, a woman in a blue top stands slightly behind. On the far right, a woman in a light green patterned tunic and blue pants stands with her hands clasped. Behind them, hanging metal wind chimes are suspended from the ceiling, and potted plants sit on a wooden bench along a glass wall. Wooden tables and chairs are visible on the right side of the room.

    The first fifteen bags went to FOSS United

    10 June · Stitching Club

    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.

  • A group of five people stand together indoors on a wooden floor, with potted plants visible along the left side and hanging decorations overhead. A young man in a grey t-shirt and jeans stands on the left, holding one handle of a white fabric baby bassinet. Next to him, a woman in a red scarf and red trousers holds the other handle. To their right, a woman in a dark blue dress and beige headscarf stands with her hand on the bassinet. Behind her, another woman in a blue top is partially visible, and on the far right, a woman in a light green patterned tunic stands with her hands clasped. Wooden tables and chairs are visible in the background on the right.

    Fifteen tote bags are ready for delivery

    9 June · Stitching Club

    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!

  • Six women are in a room with sewing machines and fabric. On the left, two women sit on a long wooden bench, each at a sewing machine, one wearing a black headscarf and the other a red headscarf. In the center, a woman in a plaid shirt sits on a wooden bench at another sewing machine. On the right, a woman in a green top stands beside a table with fabric, while another woman sits at a table behind her. In the foreground, a girl in a red outfit sits on the floor working with a large piece of light-colored fabric. Shelves and wall hangings are visible in the background.

    Roles split across measuring, cutting, stitching and finishing

    8 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching group continued working together on bag production. Participants measured, cut, stitched, and finished the bags. We improved our skills through teamwork and regular practice while preparing products for customer orders.

  • A woman in a light-colored headscarf and glasses sits at a sewing machine, guiding fabric under the needle. To her left, another woman in a headscarf works at a separate sewing machine. In the background, a third woman sits at a table with a sewing machine, and a child in red clothing sits on the floor nearby. Several sewing machines and tables are arranged in the room, with fabric and bags visible on surfaces and hanging on the wall.

    Bag production moved on with the team owning each stage

    6 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued making bags on 14 March 2024. We cut, stitched, finished and checked the quality of each bag. We worked together and supported each other. We built confidence, strengthened skills and gained experience from customer orders.

  • Two people sit on a tiled floor working with large pieces of white fabric and orange material. One person wears a green top, white pants, and a patterned shawl, while the other wears a red headscarf, a dark patterned top, and light-colored pants. Scissors and fabric scraps are scattered around them. In the background, a low table covered with a pink cloth holds various items, and yellow fabric hangs on the wall. A metal bin stands beside a small table draped with a red cloth.

    Work continued on the club's first customer order

    5 June · Stitching Club

    The stitching team continued work on their first customer order, carefully bringing each piece together. The process gave participants hands-on experience and helped them build confidence while working collaboratively.

  • A group of women and girls are gathered in a room, with several seated on a wooden bench facing a woman standing near a sewing machine by a window. One woman stands holding a piece of fabric, while others watch. A table with folded fabrics is visible to the left, and a door is on the right side of the room.

    Supplies prepared and techniques tried on the fabric at hand

    4 June · Stitching Club

    We prepared supplies, explored stitching techniques, and worked together to imagine new possibilities for the fabric.

  • Two women are seated at a wooden table in a room with a window behind them. One woman, wearing a patterned top and a head covering, is operating a sewing machine while the other, in a pink polka-dot shirt, watches closely. On the table are fabric pieces, scissors, and other sewing supplies. Another sewing machine is visible on a surface to the left.

    One-to-one coaching on handling the sewing machines

    3 June · Stitching Club

    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.

  • Several women sit on a tiled floor surrounded by piles of colorful fabric scraps and large white sacks, sorting through the materials in a room with wooden furniture and other people standing in the background.

    A relaxed session of sorting fabric and practising stitches

    2 June · Stitching Club

    We sorted fabric pieces, prepared materials, and practised stitches. We worked together, learned from each other, and talked about what the fabric could become.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, sitting on the floor and on chairs around pieces of fabric. Some are handling cloth, while others watch or converse. A sewing machine sits on a table nearby, and shelves and bags line the walls behind them.

    Stitchers were grouped by skill for a coming bag order

    1 June · Stitching Club

    We grouped participants 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.

  • A room with three people working with fabric and sewing machines. One person in red sits on a wooden stool near a table with an iron and piles of cloth, while another person in red kneels on the floor sorting through green and white material. A third person in a dark patterned outfit sits at a sewing machine by a window with patterned glass. Large sacks of fabric scraps stand beside a folding table covered with more cloth, and stacks of folded material lie on the floor nearby. A framed piece hangs on the wall, and a paper is taped above the table.

    Another day of practice on finishing techniques

    30 May · Stitching Club

    We ran the stitching class again today. Students kept practising, measuring and cutting fabric, and working on finishing techniques. Each session seemed to make them more confident and better at details.

  • Four women are in a room with a large window featuring decorative grilles and light curtains. One woman stands on the left wearing a patterned dress and a bright pink scarf. Another woman sits at a wooden table in the center, wearing a black head covering and a pink top, working at a sewing machine. A third woman stands beside her in a dark blue outfit with a pink scarf, holding a small object. A fourth woman sits at a separate table on the right, also using a sewing machine. A folded purple cloth rests on a wooden bench in the foreground.

    Beginners learned by watching the more experienced

    29 May · Stitching Club

    Beginners watched and learned. More experienced learners shared tips and techniques. The session became a space for skill-building and mutual support.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor surrounded by piles of folded and unfolded fabrics in various colors, including blue, purple, and patterned textiles. One woman in a red top holds up a blue garment, while another in a floral dress works with a piece of blue fabric, and a third in a yellow and grey outfit holds a small tool. A wooden bench against the wall holds more clothes and bags, and plastic-wrapped bundles of material are stacked nearby.

    The class edged towards production-quality work

    26 May · Stitching Club

    The class worked on cutting, sorting and preparing materials. We improved step by step. It was a session of teamwork, fabric and learning.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor indoors, working together on a piece of light-colored fabric. One woman wears a red headscarf and a black patterned outfit, another wears a yellow top and green skirt, and the third wears a white patterned suit. They are focused on the material between them, with a long tool resting on the floor nearby. In the background, a wooden table holds a pink cloth and other items, and a metal bin stands against the wall.

    Intermediate students began teaching the beginners

    22 May · Stitching Club

    Intermediate students guided beginners step by step through techniques and confidence-building. The class slowly became a shared learning space where students supported one another.

  • A person with dark hair tied back and wearing glasses sits at a sewing machine, viewed from behind and to the side. They are dressed in a pink patterned top with a dark blue shawl draped over their shoulders and a gold necklace. Their hands guide a large piece of light-colored fabric through the black sewing machine, which is placed on a wooden table next to a window with sheer curtains. A smartphone rests on the table beside the machine.

    The bags are getting neater and stronger

    21 May · Stitching Club

    The bags are getting stronger and neater, and closer to production quality. Regular practice is showing in the skills, the finishing and the teamwork.

  • Three women sit on a tiled floor surrounded by piles of folded and unfolded fabrics in various colors, including blue, purple, and patterned textiles. One woman in a red top holds up a blue cloth, while two others work with fabric pieces in front of them. A wooden bench stands against the wall behind them, holding bags and other items, and plastic sacks filled with materials are scattered around the room.

    Women practised making production-quality bags from leftover fabric

    20 May · Stitching Club

    Women gathered to practise cutting, measuring and stitching. We learned to make strong, production-quality tote bags from leftover fabric. The class keeps growing as a space for learning, teamwork and creativity.

  • A group of women work in a room with sewing machines and fabric. One woman sits at a table in the foreground handling yellow cloth, while another sits on a chair nearby with blue and pink fabric on her lap. A third woman sits on a wooden bench in the middle of the room, and two more women work at sewing machines near a window on the right. Fabric bags hang on the wall behind them, and a wooden bench runs along the back wall with more materials on it.

    Students worked from sorting scraps to neat finishing

    19 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching class continued. Students learned each step patiently, from sorting fabric pieces to finishing neat stitches. With the teacher’s support, simple materials slowly turned into strong and colourful tote bags made with care and teamwork.

  • Three people are working in a room filled with fabric scraps. Two people sit on the floor sorting through piles of colorful cloth, while a third person sits at a sewing machine at a table near a window. A large heap of mixed fabrics covers much of the floor, alongside a partially completed patchwork piece. A white sack lies open on the floor, and an ironing board stands nearby with items on it.

    Cutting, measuring and stitching practised under the teacher

    18 May · Stitching Club

    Under the teacher's guidance, students practised cutting, measuring and stitching with care. The room was full of learning, teamwork and quiet concentration. We are working towards production-quality tote bags, building confidence a step at a time.

  • A group of six women and girls sit in a circle on a tiled floor inside a room, with one person using a laptop on her lap. Behind them, two industrial sewing machines stand on tables near a window with patterned glass panes. Bags hang on the wall, and a wooden bench and small table are visible in the background.

    The stitching class talked designs, not just sewing

    14 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching class 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.

  • Three women are working at sewing machines in a room with light-colored walls and flooring. Framed textile art hangs on the walls, and a wooden shelf stands against one wall. A long wooden bench sits in the center of the room, and several handbags are displayed hanging on the wall. A window with curtains is visible on the right side of the room.

    Members followed a product through the whole process

    13 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching class continued with members getting to know the complete process behind making a product. From handling fabric carefully to practicing clean stitching, each session helped turn learning into confidence.

  • Two people sit side by side at a table, each wearing a head covering, one in pink and one in white. They are focused on a small piece of fabric held between their hands. A black sewing machine sits on the table between them, with scissors resting nearby. Another sewing machine is visible on a separate table to the right. A window with a decorative metal grille is behind them, and curtains hang on either side. A bag hangs on the wall to the left, and an electrical outlet is visible on the wall below it.

    Fabric slowly turned into bags and pouches

    12 May · Stitching Club

    We turned fabric into bags and pouches. We practised, and we were patient. We made small improvements at every step. The space became one of learning, support and shared creativity.

  • Two women are sitting on a tiled floor indoors, working with fabric. One woman wears a black top with a red sari draped over her shoulder and red pants, while the other wears a black dress with pink trim. They are smoothing out a black-and-white checkered piece of fabric laid over a larger blue sheet. Other pieces of fabric in red and white are visible nearby, along with a potted plant, a wooden door, and a wooden bench in the background.

    Students grew more confident handling fabric

    11 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching class continued. Students learned how to work with fabric more confidently each day. From cutting cloth to finishing small details, the sessions helped the community slowly build practical skills through regular practice.

  • A group of women and children are gathered on a tiled floor in a room, sitting in a loose circle around large sheets of light-colored material. One woman in a pink patterned top sits cross-legged on the left, while another in red kneels in the center working on the material. Two women sit on the right, one wearing a black head covering, and two children sit nearby, one holding a blue-lit device. A wooden bench with folded textiles stands against the wall, and bags of fabric are stacked in the corner. A framed picture hangs on the wall above the bench, and a wooden door is visible on the right edge of the frame.

    Measurements, cutting and patterns taught from the basics

    9 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching class covered measurements, fabric cutting, and bag patterns from the start. Students worked together carefully, practising each step slowly. The room filled with learning, teamwork, and creativity.

  • Two women are in a room with white walls and a wooden floor. One woman stands on the left wearing a dark plaid dress, holding a piece of red fabric near a white sewing machine on a table. The other woman sits on a black chair to the right, wearing a red top and yellow skirt, holding a small white object. Behind her is a white ironing board with a green iron on it, and a whiteboard is mounted on the wall above. A small table with a lamp is visible on the far left.

    Tracing patterns and preparing cloth for the machines

    8 May · Stitching Club

    We traced patterns, then prepared cloth for the machines. The room contained fabric pieces and measurement tapes, and everyone concentrated. Each session left them more confident with the process.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room with tiled floors and framed artwork on the walls. Some women stand while others sit at tables, appearing to work with fabric and sewing materials. One woman holds up a piece of light-colored cloth, while another sits at a machine. Bags and other supplies are visible on the floor and tables. Natural light comes in from a window with grilles on the right side of the room.

    The stitching room fills up every day

    7 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching space was busy every day with practice, conversations, and learning. Beginners and more confident machine users each attended sessions which helped the community build skills.

  • A group of people are gathered in a room that appears to be a workshop or classroom. Some are seated at tables with sewing machines and fabric, while others sit on the floor working with paper and materials. A patterned bag rests on a wooden bench in the foreground, and a person in a pink floral dress stands near a table covered with cloth.

    Members learned to make a tote bag from scratch

    6 May · Stitching Club

    We taught members to make tote bags from scratch. They measured fabric, cut it out, then stitched it on the sewing machines. We gave practice, guidance and teamwork every week.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, working on fabric and sewing projects. Some sit on the floor surrounded by cloth and materials, while one woman operates a sewing machine at a wooden table. Shelves, bags, and framed items are visible on the walls and around the space.

    Stitching classes got set timings and checklists

    5 May · Stitching Club

    The stitching classes ran with set times and checklists for students to use. We started with the basics, and members learned slowly with more clarity and consistency.

  • A collection of fabric tote bags hangs on a wall, arranged in two rows. The bags vary in size, color, and pattern, including patchwork designs, solid colors, stripes, checks, and floral prints. Some bags have long straps while others have shorter handles. A few bags are hung by their straps, while others are suspended from hooks. One bag in the lower left has a printed design on its front. A white electrical outlet is visible on the wall near the bottom right.

    The wall of finished bags shows the class's progress

    3 May · Stitching Club

    We ran a stitching class. The work is on the wall. Each bag shows what people learned. Some designs were simple, some were more creative. Every piece shows the effort people put in.

  • Three people sit side by side at sewing machines in a room with a large window featuring patterned glass and curtains. The person on the left wears a red top and a light-colored skirt, sitting on a wooden bench. The person in the middle wears a blue top and a light-colored skirt, also on a wooden bench. The person on the right wears a patterned black and white dress with red accents on the back and sits on a chair. A wooden table stands to the right, and an ironing board is visible on the left side of the room. A wall-mounted electrical socket is present near the window.

    Practical stitching sessions for tote bags started from the basics

    2 May · Stitching Club

    We started practical stitching sessions for tote bags on 14 March 2024. We used straight cutting and measuring, and everyone learned step by step, helping each other.

  • Two fabric zippered pouches on a wooden surface. The top pouch is purple with a white geometric pattern and is standing upright. The bottom pouch is lying flat and features a plaid pattern with blue, red, white, and grey stripes. Both have visible zippers along the top edge.

    New fabrics and patterns tried out on zip pouches

    30 April · Stitching Club

    In the stitching class, we tried different fabrics and patterns to create zip pouches in new styles. Each piece reflects practice and experimentation.

  • A blue and white patterned pouch with a black zipper sits on a textured surface. The pouch features a floral design with large white flowers and leaves against a dark blue background, accented with white stitching lines.

    A plain piece of fabric became a zip pouch

    29 April · Stitching Club

    In the stitching class, we shaped a piece of fabric into a neat pouch with a zip. With practice and attention to detail, it became a small but complete product made by hand.

  • A black and white checkered tote bag with matching straps lies flat on a tiled floor, with a patterned object partially visible in the upper right corner.

    Practice turned into a finished piece

    28 April · Stitching Club

    With each stitch, the design came together—turning practice into a finished piece.

  • A group of women and children sit on the floor in a room with patterned textiles hanging on the walls and stacked on shelves. One woman in a pink patterned top sits cross-legged on the left, while another in red kneels in the center working with fabric. Two women sit on the right, one in a black headscarf gesturing as she speaks. Several children are seated in the foreground, one holding a glowing phone. Rolls of light-colored material lie on the floor between them, and bags of supplies are piled against the back wall.

    The stitching teacher trained while members watched and helped

    25 April · Stitching Club

    We ran a training session for the stitching faculty on making tote bags. Around this, community members came along and helped, giving ideas, watching, and learning.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room filled with textiles and sewing equipment. In the foreground, a woman in a green floral top sits at a table, looking down at her work. Behind her, another woman in a brown headscarf and yellow top sits on the floor, holding a piece of green fabric. Further back, three women are seated at sewing machines along the wall, focused on their tasks. The room is decorated with framed artwork on the walls and various bags and fabrics hanging and stacked around the space. A window with a patterned grille lets in light from the right side.

    A new group started with tote bags and repairs

    24 April · Stitching Club

    We gathered on 14 March 2024 to begin learning stitching. We started with tote bags and simple repairs. We built skills and supported each other. We made something useful together.

  • A plain, light-colored canvas tote bag with two long handles hangs against a light wall. The bag is rectangular and appears empty, with visible stitching along the top edge where the handles are attached. It rests on a wooden surface, and a small portion of greenery is visible at the bottom right corner.

    Neater zips and edges show the skills improving

    23 April · Stitching Club

    Small details like the zip and neat edges show how skills are slowly improving with each session.

  • A tote bag with a black and white checkerboard pattern lies flat on a light-colored tiled floor. The bag has two long straps of the same fabric, looped upward, and a zipper closure is visible along the top edge.

    A student made a whole bag on their own

    21 April · Stitching Club

    One of our students said at first they didn't know how to stitch. Today, they made a bag on their own.

  • A white canvas tote bag with two handles lies flat on a bed of green grass. Centered on the front of the bag is a rectangular printed design featuring ornate borders and text, including a heading at the top and several paragraphs below it.

    The first Constitution tote bag sample was made

    19 April · Stitching Club

    We made a first sample tote bag with the Constitution printed on it. It was simple, but we thought it carried the values we believe in.

  • Three people sit at sewing machines in a room with a large window behind them. The person on the left wears a red top and a light-colored skirt, sitting on a wooden bench. The person in the middle wears a blue top and a light-colored skirt, also on a wooden bench. The person on the right wears a black and white patterned dress with red and gold details on the back, sitting on a chair. Each person is operating a sewing machine on a wooden table. A power outlet with a cord plugged in is visible on the wall to the left, and curtains hang beside the window.

    Children started learning to stitch, step by step

    18 April · Stitching Club

    We ran stitching sessions where children learned the basics step by step. It was a space for them to learn with their hands, build patience, and slowly gain confidence in creating on their own.

  • A handmade patchwork tote bag hangs against a light-colored curtain. The bag features two long handles made from black fabric with a white floral pattern. The body of the bag is constructed from numerous diagonal strips of fabric in various colors and patterns, including dark blue with white flowers, purple with white polka dots, bright yellow, green with floral motifs, and sections with paisley and other designs. The top rim of the bag matches the black and white floral fabric of the handles.

    One member turned collected scraps into a single bag

    17 April · Stitching Club

    One of the community members brought together collected fabric cut pieces to create a unique bag. She used colors, patterns, and ideas. What could have been waste is now a thoughtful piece, shaped by creativity, patience, and skill.

  • Three women are working in a room filled with fabric scraps. One woman sits on the floor in the foreground, sorting through pieces of cloth next to a partially completed patchwork item. Another woman sits on the floor behind her, also working with fabric. A third woman sits at a table near a window, operating a sewing machine. Large piles of colorful fabric scraps cover much of the floor, and an ironing board stands against the wall.

    Scrap fabric sorted and given a new purpose

    16 April · Stitching Club

    We sorted scrap fabric, stitched it and reimagined it. What once seemed like waste found a purpose; every small piece, leftovers turned into possibilities.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, sitting on the floor and on a low bench. Some are handling fabric, while others watch or interact. A sewing machine sits on a table to the left, and shelves and wall hangings fill the background. One woman stands near the doorway holding a piece of cloth.

    Community members shared skills at the stitching session

    12 April · Stitching Club

    Community members came together for a stitching session, sharing skills, ideas, and time. With each stitch, confidence grew and creativity began to take shape.

  • Three women work in a room filled with fabric scraps and sewing equipment. Two women sit at sewing machines near a window, while a third sits on the floor surrounded by piles of colorful cloth and a large sack of material. An ironing board with an iron stands against the wall, and a potted plant sits beside a small wooden table.

    Fabric bound for landfill was collected from tailor shops

    11 April · Stitching Club

    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 light-colored fabric bag with dark trim featuring a repeating white floral pattern along the edges and a curved flap across the front, fastened with a dark bow that has a small light-colored center, resting on a light stone surface.

    A member's own idea became a small bag

    10 April · Stitching Club

    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.

  • Two women are working together at a sewing machine in a room. One woman sits at the machine guiding fabric through it while wearing a patterned top and a yellow scarf, and the other stands beside her in a patterned top, leaning over to assist with the fabric. A pile of folded cloth rests on the table beside the machine, and colorful textiles hang on the wall behind them.

    Groundwork laid for tote bag production, stitch by stitch

    8 April · Stitching Club

    We laid the groundwork for tote bag production, one stitch at a time.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, engaged in textile work. Some sit on the floor sorting through pieces of fabric, while others work at a long wooden table with sewing machines. Shelves and framed artwork line the walls, and bags hang from hooks.

    From measurements to single stitches, a patient session

    7 April · Stitching Club

    We measured and learned each stitch with patience and focus. We enjoyed making things by hand.

  • A person with dark hair tied back and wearing glasses sits at a black sewing machine, guiding a large piece of light-colored fabric under the needle. They are dressed in a pink patterned top with a dark blue shawl draped over their shoulders and a gold necklace. The sewing machine is placed on a wooden table next to a window with light curtains, and a smartphone rests on the table surface.

    Careful practice ahead of bulk tote bag production

    6 April · Stitching Club

    We prepared for bulk tote bag production by practising stitching carefully and precisely.

  • A group of women are gathered in a room, with several seated on a wooden bench facing two standing women near a window. One standing woman holds a small object, while another stands beside a sewing machine on a table. An ironing board with items on it stands against the wall to the left, and a closed wooden door is visible on the right side of the room.

    Five women want to design their own tote bags

    4 April · Stitching Club

    Five community women came together to make tote bags, and they now expressed interest in creating their own designs for a few of them.

  • A person’s hands are using a squeegee to pull ink across a screen printing frame on a table covered with newspaper. A clamp holds the frame in place, and a can of ink sits nearby.

    Screen printing practice started for Preamble bags and shirts

    2 April · Stitching Club

    We started screen printing practice on 24th October 2024. We're working towards putting the Constitutional Preamble onto tote bags and T-shirts.

  • A room with three people working with fabric and sewing machines. One person in red sits on a stool near an ironing board piled with cloth, another in red kneels on the floor sorting through green and white material, and a third person in a dark patterned top operates a sewing machine at a table by a window. Large sacks of fabric scraps and stacks of material are on the floor and tables.

    Community women made tote bags and learned basic repairs

    1 April · Stitching Club

    On 14 March 2024, the community women got together and made tote bags. We learned basic stitching and repair skills.

  • A colorful tote bag with vertical stripes in blue, yellow, red, and patterned sections rests on green grass, with two dark fabric handles attached at the top.

    Three members turned boutique offcuts into tote bags

    28 March · Stitching Club

    Three Community Members worked with Mary Gracy and Haseena in the Lab. We worked on Tote Bags from Cut Pieces collected from Boutiques.

  • A group of women and children are gathered on a tiled floor in a room, sitting in a loose circle around large sheets of light-colored material. One woman in a pink patterned top sits cross-legged on the left, while another in red kneels in the center working on the material. Two women sit on the right, one wearing a black head covering, and two children sit nearby, one holding a blue-lit device. A wooden bench with folded textiles stands against the wall, and bags of fabric are stacked in the corner. A framed picture hangs on the wall above the bench, and a wooden door is visible on the right edge of the frame.

    Six members mended their own clothes in the stitching lab

    27 March · Stitching Club

    Six Community Members worked with Mary Gracy in the Lab. We started stitching our own clothes using materials we already had at home, taking time to fix and finish each part neatly.

  • Three women are gathered around a sewing machine in a room with a large window and curtains. One woman sits at the machine, another stands beside her holding a spool of thread, and a third stands nearby observing. A table beside them holds boxes and fabric.

    The Stitching Club runs daily except Mondays, free and in Malayalam

    25 March

    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.

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