When Elsie Dijana lost her husband, the 72-year-old found herself disappearing from the world.
Retreating into herself as a way to deal with her loss, she realised that her life had taken a rather unhealthy turn, reports Rosebank Killarney Gazette.

Then, when she bumped into a former colleague who mentioned a skills programme somewhere in Riviera, Dijana didn’t know it, but her life was about to change for the better.

Today, her days are filled with various fabrics, threads, and plans for remarkable sewing adventures, and all it took was a single decision, a goal, and a single yes to change after graduating from the Union of Jewish Women Empowerment Sewing School.

She was among the graduates who were honoured at the school’s recent Heritage in style graduation ceremony for completing the intense four-and-a-half-month sewing course.

Dijana said the decision to take part in the programme brought relief for her children, who were worried about her, but what began as a way to fill the cracks of time left by her loss, soon developed into a passion.

“I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about how I could have done a certain design better.”

Within weeks, she had learned how to use a sewing machine, and her creative juices were flowing with different design ideas. Dijana stated that her grandchildren were really interested in her progress, adding that they would constantly ask her to send them pictures of her latest projects throughout the programme.

Using the skills she has gained, Dijana will be offering services that involve alterations and making bedding. “I really love bedding, so I want to make fitted sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers.” She is also planning on creating special surprises for her grandchildren, by sewing outfits for them.

Although the journey helped her, it was not without challenges. Dijana would sometimes have trouble putting some pieces together, which led to frustration.

“There was a time I was crying and wanted to quit while sewing my heritage outfit.” However, encouragement and assistance from her teacher and fellow course mates helped her persevere and finish the programme.

Now, instead of dwelling on her pain, Dijana spends her time on the sewing machine, drafting ideas and creating masterpieces.

The sewing school gave her more than a certificate; it characterised the beginning of a chapter stitched together with healing, hope, and creativity.

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