Acquire a valuable skill at the Lowveld Sewing Academy

The Lowveld Sewing Academy, opened by Surette Braack, was opened almost seven years ago with the goal to empower women to be able to create a home based business.

The course is aimed at women in the SMME Development sector, housewives wanting to earn an extra income or any other student of any age that is interested in learning how to sew. The academy also has a reskilling program where people that are currently on pension can learn how to sew for companies to earn an additional income to substitute their pension money.

Classes can accommodate a maximum of 10 students. Classes are kept small to allow each student the individual attention that they need.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD:

This unit standard forms part of the qualification GETC: Manufacturing, Engineering and related activities and is specifically for learners working in the informal sector who are currently operating, or who wish to start, their own garment making business.

The qualifying learner is capable of:

• Cutting out garment parts using a commercial pattern.
• Preparing the workplace and setting the sewing machine.
• Sewing, finishing and pressing the garment.
• Checking the quality of the completed garment.

The once-off registration fee includes your sewing theory and exercise book, cutting, marking and measuring tools, six patterns from XS to 5XL, as well as material for your first garment.

The use of the academy’s sewing machines (on premises) are included in the fee and students are offered discounted rates if they wish to purchase their own machine.

People that have their own sewing machines, but don’t know how to use them are also welcome to arrange a one-on-one session with Surette. This will include orientation and training on their specific machine.

There is also a ‘sew-as-you-go’ option if you already know how to sew, but are stuck with a particular garment feature, like collars, buttons or pockets.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE:

• The garment types selected will be basic garments or home textile that may have no fastening devices such as zips or buttons, but could include Velcro or elastic.
• Minimum of two different garments or home textiles should be completed.
• The machine used can be a domestic, lockstitch sewing machine, either hand, treadle or electric.
• Tools used for cutting will be hand scissors or cutting shears.
• Tools used for finishing will be hand sewing needles.
• Finishing operations may include decorative stitching, beading, attaching applique, pressing.

For more information, visit the Lowveld Sewing Academy online, or like them on Facebook. You can also contact Surette telephonically on 013 752 3425 or via email at elnanelspruit@gmail.com