The Bianca Couture Centre ran various sewing, dyeing, weaving and knitting activities from January to March 2023, with courses given to different classes according to their level.
In sewing, the first-year learners learned how to design a long trapeze skirt, create a sleeveless bodice and make a short-sleeved shirt. In the second year, they worked on creating a princess-cut bodice with sleeves, a culotte skirt and a cropped camisole with flounce. Finally, in the third year, they created a long-sleeved shirt, two-pleated men's trousers, a six-panel skirt and a strapless dress.
In dyeing, first-year trainees learnt how to pre-treat yarn, carry out scouring and bleach with peroxides. In the second year, they studied textile fibres and dye dosage. In the third year, they worked on the dyeing technique according to the type of textile, the dosage of dyeing products and the creation of patterns.
For the weaving technique, first-year learners learnt how to wind the weaving thread and how to warp. In the second year, they worked on setting up the warp on the loom and canvassing. Finally, in the third year, they created weaving and dyeing patterns, wove the web and extracted it.
In knitting, first-year learners were taught how to make a shawl, while the other two years created new models. In addition to the technical and educational courses given by the instructors, the centre's promoter has initiated training sessions to strengthen technical skills. Learners also received training in work organisation, HIV/AIDS awareness, hepatitis B, personal hygiene, family life and family planning.
However, difficulties have been encountered, such as the low level of education of the learners, which hampers the progress of the training programmes. The mothers who come to the centre with their babies also disrupt the smooth running of the courses. The centre therefore suggests the introduction of literacy courses to raise their level of technical understanding and the creation of a crèche at the centre with the hiring of a nanny to solve this problem.
On the whole, the training sessions run smoothly thanks to the foresight and skill of the promoter and her staff, creating a favourable climate for good learner learning. The Bianca Couture Centre is a great place to learn sewing, dyeing, weaving and knitting skills.
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