A stitch in time
Three volunteers travelled to Palumpa west of Katherine in the Northern Territory to teach local women the essentials of using a sewing machine.
They were there at the invitation of the local women’s centre. Participants learnt to evaluate and measure fabric, size patterns, cut fabric, and thread and use an overlocker and sewing machine. The local women made dozens of clothes and other articles.
“The volunteers made an amazing difference to the Women’s Centre which is now more of a hub for social and cultural activities in Palumpa,“ said Sally.
“The ladies of Palumpa are proud of what they have achieved. They have more choices in what they can wear. “They can now teach many of the community’s teenage girls who have shown an interest.”
Studies indicate that sewing is good for you, mentally and physically. In the very least it can relax participants. Volunteer Jane Clifford of Sydney said, “We met some wonderful women and children and learnt such a lot.
ICV is planning to partner with the Women’s Centre again and deliver a project focused on screen printing and fabric design. The project occurred during the winter school holidays. The volunteers came prepared with a car load of balloons, crayons and stencils, knowing that half of the Palumpa community is aged under 15.
It was “chaotic and busy”, said Jane. “A lot of kids were drawn to the centre and wanted to participate.”
