Ladies learn sewing skills from Terri Cree

A group of Akwesasne women went back to the basics recently and learned how to sew their own clothing, bags and other items.

The St. Regis Recreation hosted a 6-week sewing class with local seamstress Terri Cree instructing. Cree is well-known in the community for having years of experience in all aspects of the sewing field.

Every Monday for three hours the women learned how to sew, starting with the very basics of loading a sewing machine, to the final touches of an outfit. Sewing machines were used and in the first class the students (who were all adult) made tote bags. As the class went on, Cree said she just told the students to make what they wanted, so every participant came in with different patterns to follow. One woman made a children’s shirt and dress, another made a large smock.

Cree said that while the class was for beginners, the students weren’t “beginner beginner” and had some amount of sewing experience before. They just needed to have their knowledge refreshed.

The students became creative towards the end of the class, bringing in all types of fabrics and patterns, making clothing and accessories for themselves and their family.

The participants learned the monetary value of knowing how to sew, as each outfit they made cost only a few dollars and the patterns can be used over and over.

The St. Regis Recreation purchased large sewing baskets for each participant as a thank you gift for taking part in the course. Their last class was held on Monday.