Staff Reporter
While sewing machines are gaining popularity among many in New Zealand, they somewhat remain far from the sight of many in Indian community, especially the younger generation.
Now, thanks to an enterprising woman in the Auckland suburb of Blockhouse Bay, it could see a revival with an increasing number of people evincing interest.
Creative & Absorbing
Jacinta Jessie James, who runs the ‘Sewing Much Fun’ Programme six days a week, said that Sewing is absorbing and creative but can be an enjoyable hobby, accruing a sense of accomplishment and pride.
“Parents spend a lot of money on clothes for their children who quickly outgrow them. If they knew the basics of sewing, they can achieve substantial savings,” she said.
Jacinta was speaking to Wenceslaus Anthony, Chairman of the Multicultural New Zealand Business Council during his recent visit, which was a part of his efforts to promote small and medium enterprises owned and operated by multiethnic groups throughout the country.
Dedicated Professional
He found Jacinta not only dedicated to her profession but also keen to impart the knowledge among our young people.
“Her sewing classes are for beginners of all ages, but children will find them useful in their later years. The classes have been designed to teach them how to sew, alter and embellish their own clothes. Students learn various techniques that they will use time and time again and give their garments a professional finish,” he said.
Jacinta, who has been a seamstress since her teen years, said that she has sewn clothes for herself, her family and friends over the years.
Many of them have won admiration, accolades and of course customers.
Jacinta said that the classes, called, ‘Sewing Much Fun,’ are open to children above seven years of age, teenagers and adults. The classes cater to beginners, right through to advanced sewing. Classes are limited to four students so that each of them gets personalised attention,” she said.
Global Programme
She said that ‘Sewing Much Fun’ uses the ‘Kids Can Sew’ Programme, established in 1983 and followed all over the world.
“This Programme has been designed especially for beginners and is easy to understand. It moves through Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, with teaching at each level involving increasingly complex skills. On successful completion of the pattern workbooks, students can move on to commercial patterns or learn to design their own clothes,” Jacinta said.
The Tools
She provides sewing machines and sewing tools to all her students.
“Students should have a workbook with a set of 8-10 patterns (costing $50 each), which they should complete during the course of approximately nine months. They should bring their own materials including threads and trimmings, costing up to $15 per project,” Jacinta said.
Monthly student fees vary from $60 (for children between 7 and 12 years attending four classes of one hour each a week), to $80 for teenagers and $100 for adults with four classes of 90 minutes each.
Classes are held for teenagers and adults from 11 am to 1230 pm and from 515 pm to 645 pm (Monday to Friday) and from 10 am to 1130 am on Saturday.
Classes for children are held 4 pm to 5 pm (Monday to Friday).
Jacinta said that she would consider other times depending on requests.
For further information and registration, please call (09) 8281577. Email: jmjamesnz@hotmail.com
