The Antigua Rotary Club hosted a vibrant exhibition last Saturday, showcasing the creative works of participants from its sewing programs, which are conducted across various communities.

Works from the Potters community

Originating in the Grays-Green area back in 2009, the sewing classes have expanded significantly, now reaching nearly a dozen communities, with a new class introduced every two years.

The recent exhibition, held at Rotary House on Nugent Avenue, showcased a diverse range of crafts and handmade items from local sewing groups in Pigotts, Potters, Willikies, Sea View Farm, Jennings/Bolans, and Pares Village, among others.

Cordell Josiah, the program coordinator, says many women begin by sewing simple aprons and eventually progress to more intricate projects; in one notable case, a participant crafted a suit for her husband.

The Rotary Club supports these classes by providing the necessary materials, and sewing machines are generously donated by a sister Rotary Club based in Washington State, USA.

Although Josiah mentioned that not many women from the program transition into full-time sewing careers, he highlighted that many have embraced their newfound skills, creating their own clothing, home décor items such as tablecloths and mats, as well as practical bags and pot holders.