Home Sewing as a Humanitarian Act

A couple of years ago a garment factory that manufactures clothes sold in American discount and big box stores collapsed killing almost a thousand people. "The disaster is the worst ever in the garment sector, far surpassing fires last year that killed about 260 people in Pakistan and 112 in Bangladesh, as well as the 1911 garment disaster in New York's Triangle Shirtwaist factory that killed 146 workers." - The Guardian

Sometimes change comes when regular people take a stand. We tend to think that one person will not make a difference, but history has shown us over and over that this is not true. Rosa Parks refused to sit in the back of the bus, Mother Teresa lived in squalor to feed the children, Corrie Ten Boom gave hope just by telling her story.

People who worked in the sweat shop in Bangladesh made about $28 per month. That was it. And they died so that we in other countries could buy cheaply made clothes. More often than not, children work in these garment factories in horrible conditions. They get no chance to be a kid, but simply live to work. They are garment slaves. I think any person with a conscience would have a problem with that.

As Bob once said "There are two types of clothes today. Crap, and expensive crap." The clothes are made with inferior fabric, on inferior machines, and sadly, by people in inhumane conditions.

On Saturday, Bob showed us how, with the right machines, one could make a $125 pair of designer denim shorts for $5-10. It was a sobering thought for me. As easy as the machines are to use today, and as much training as our store gives per machine, people could make their clothes to actually fit them, out of quality material that will last much longer, and put a dent in the need for sweat shops.

The thing is, as long as the demand is there, greedy men will find a way to force people in poverty to work in conditions no one should have to.

I realize we live in busy times and the thought of making your own clothes is daunting, but when I look at those children and the pictures of those who died in Bangladesh, I can't help but think maybe we need to try to take some time.

Years ago, people always made their own clothes. Then cheap fabric and cheap labor made buying it easier. However, we did not understand the cost to our fellow human beings I don't think. Machines are easier to use now. Their stitch quality is superior to what you find in the discount stores. The same exact designer shirt you spend $50 with a designer label can be purchased and personally embroidered for less than $15.

We are living in hard times. More than once I have wondered how I was going to buy groceries. I haven't bought new store bought clothes in ages. I get what I can find at the thrift store and if its a bit too big, too bad. But what Bob taught me this past Saturday is that the designer look we want, the personal fit, the enhancements and "bling" we search for is now possible on today's machines to make. The tailored fit, the superb stitch quality is possible on a $99 Janome machine as much as it is a $12,000 Janome machine. The pants you see below were made in our store using Janome machines.

Made in America on Janome Home Machines

And best of all, we can lower the demand for cheap garments and help those who are fighting for better working conditions and better wages. We can make a difference in the world.

For more information on the companies whose garments were constructed at the Bangladesh factories see HERE

To join our garment contruction classes, call us at 423.246.4520