The Possibilities Continue : Sewing Center Development
It's been surreal to see the possibilities here in India. The past several days have been filled with meetings and planning to see what we need to get all the right things to make it happen. The largest key factors are the people. We are continually interviewing and waiting for the right trainer, manager to make sure that they have the same vision as our mission. We met with a man that was from the Dalit untouchable community that apparently is skilled in export manufacturing. Our true test of his skills? We had him reproduce the Sharkie blankie from scratch. We were impressed to say the least. He had no pattern, just our Sharkie blanket. The other indication that he has an eye. The fabric that I gave him was cut in a different direction just to save fabric and he was able to tell. Only a trained eye would know that. One more indication of the possibility of this happening occurred as I was standing on the road leading up to the entrance to the sewing center. I saw an amazing black, red and yellow swallowtail butterfly . Then I proceeded to see at least 15 or more yellow butterflies fluttering all throughout the road. Then it struck me…this is the beginning of my own personal rebirth.
A couple of weeks back for my final project in my fashion design class, I chose the theme "Chrysalitic Emergence" for my collection. I designed a series of evening dresses that were based on the concept of a caterpillar's transformation. This was a very personal collection as I feel in this time and place in my life, I'm being transformed into something new and beautiful. But in order for that to happen I needed to purge the ugliness, the self-doubt and insecurities of my past for this to happen. 
I am continually amazed by the pieces that are coming together at just the right time for this project. The next two days we are off to meet with Blossom, a women's undergarment manufacturer and Kara Weaves, a hand loom women's cooperative.
3 Responses
Anjali
So happy to hear of the organization’s continued success and of your personal triumphs throughout this journey! Looking forward to read more blog posts—I’ve read every single one so far, each better than the next! Let me know if there’s anything else I can help out with in the future :)
EllieFunDay
Thanks Anjali! Keep on spreading the word. :)
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katyrenee
July 21, 2015
Wow so cool. Love the updates!