Yellowwood Park seamstress stitches the community together
What started with a passion for sewing has now cultivated a community that regularly meets to create garments for themselves as well as local charities.
YELLOWWOOD Park resident Barbara Endres has dedicated Wednesdays for the past 28 years to teaching sewing classes at the Montclair Methodist Church. What began in 1996 as a modest offer to help has grown into an indispensable community service that has given women, men and children the chance to learn certain life skills.
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In 1994, following her husband’s passing, Barbara moved to Durban with her children. She recalls vividly how the church’s minister at the time approached her to get involved with these classes, knowing her passion for sewing.
“The day I went to help, I was hooked. I have been coming every week since, whether I was needed or not,” she said.
Although the volunteer support and class attendance waned over time, Barbara continued to attend and do her bit for the class. By 1999, Barbara took over the sewing classes herself. The class makes anything from jerseys and gloves to beanies, with a focus being on children’s clothing. The majority of the clothing made is donated to the children’s homes or organisations that assist those in need.
“Though some participants make garments for themselves, there has always been the aspect of giving,” she said.
The class is open to females and males. Barbara said she remembers a few attendees who stood out to her as they really exemplified what the class is about. “One boy came because he wanted to be a fashion designer. He had been practising here and had been improving. One man started coming so he could learn to teach his wife who was confined to a wheelchair,” she said.
Barbara said she had taken an early interest in sewing during childhood school holidays spent with her grandmother, a tailor who taught her to sew, not only for herself but also for her younger sisters.
Despite all these personal connections and the impact the class has had on the community, it faces significant challenges with its sewing machines. Once filled with 35 attendees, it’s now limited due to a lack of working sewing machines. “We’re down to just three machines, and I have 16 more at home that need repairs,” she said.
Those interested in helping can contact the Montclair Methodist Church on 031 469 0419.
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