Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc
By Evelyn A Opilas
Photo: Evelyn A. Opilas
Sydney-Australia
December 8, 2019
Caring, Margot and Jeanette discuss sewing techniques.
Three stalwarts of the Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc (AGAPI) have participated in a multi-cultural sewing class, not only gaining skills in the use of sewing machines but also learning about other cultures.
Dorothy del Villar, Caridad Morabe and Evelyn Opilas joined women of Afghani, Anglo-Australian, and Egyptian backgrounds for the six-week sewing course that finished 4 Dec at WASH House Mt Druitt.
Roza and Nasrin look at sewing patterns.
“I prefer to sew for Zonta,” Evelyn informed teacher Margot on the first day of the combined basic and advanced sewing course.
Evelyn said she was interested in operating a sewing machine rather than sewing a personal apparel.
By sewing for Zonta projects, Evelyn said she is both learning and helping out.
Zonta International, a global group of professionals, aims to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Caring and Pauline in sewing class.
One of their projects provides women, who have undergone breast cancer surgery, with free drip bags and mastectomy pillows.
Zonta provides the pre-cut fabrics to WASH House in case any of the sewing students would like to sew them.
Kay with her sewing machine
Dorothy wanted to learn how to use overlockers but decided to sew mastectomy bags as well. Caridad finished several tote bags for personal use.Mastectomy pillows are small C-shaped cushions Zonta makes and donates free to hospitals for women who have had (or are about to have) a mastectomy.
The idea is that one slips her arm though the opening in the C and slides it up her arm to the shoulder. This prevents the arm sitting against one’s side and the wound around the breast. It also helps relieve any pain from node removal.
An almost completed mastectomy pillow
The WASH House is a community-based resource centre for women that receives funding from the Department of Family and Community Services.
It offers a range of colour-coded group programs each term: blue for skills, red for therapy, purple for parents, and orange for health and well-being.
Karen on the ironing board
The blue-coded sewing class enables women to learn sewing techniques in a relaxed, pleasant and stress-free environment.
Art (drawing and painting techniques), computers, cooking, belly dancing, and yoga are the other skills on offer.
AGAPI in multi-cultural sewing class
Photo: Evelyn A. Opilas
Sydney-Australia
December 8, 2019
Caring, Margot and Jeanette discuss sewing techniques.
Three stalwarts of the Association of Golden Australian Pilipinos Inc (AGAPI) have participated in a multi-cultural sewing class, not only gaining skills in the use of sewing machines but also learning about other cultures.
Dorothy del Villar, Caridad Morabe and Evelyn Opilas joined women of Afghani, Anglo-Australian, and Egyptian backgrounds for the six-week sewing course that finished 4 Dec at WASH House Mt Druitt.
Roza and Nasrin look at sewing patterns.
“I prefer to sew for Zonta,” Evelyn informed teacher Margot on the first day of the combined basic and advanced sewing course.
Evelyn said she was interested in operating a sewing machine rather than sewing a personal apparel.
By sewing for Zonta projects, Evelyn said she is both learning and helping out.
Zonta International, a global group of professionals, aims to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.
Caring and Pauline in sewing class.
One of their projects provides women, who have undergone breast cancer surgery, with free drip bags and mastectomy pillows.
Zonta provides the pre-cut fabrics to WASH House in case any of the sewing students would like to sew them.
Kay with her sewing machine
The idea is that one slips her arm though the opening in the C and slides it up her arm to the shoulder. This prevents the arm sitting against one’s side and the wound around the breast. It also helps relieve any pain from node removal.
An almost completed mastectomy pillow
The WASH House is a community-based resource centre for women that receives funding from the Department of Family and Community Services.
It offers a range of colour-coded group programs each term: blue for skills, red for therapy, purple for parents, and orange for health and well-being.
Karen on the ironing board
The blue-coded sewing class enables women to learn sewing techniques in a relaxed, pleasant and stress-free environment.
Art (drawing and painting techniques), computers, cooking, belly dancing, and yoga are the other skills on offer.