The Clover Mama Afrikas recently put their sewing skills to the test, by competing for a state-of-the-art 340 Berdette embroidery machine from Bernina, in their first-ever sewing competition. Mama Esther Nkosi of the Mpumalanga Christian Network in Nelspruit came out tops with her dress that wowed the judges and fashion guru, Marianne Fassler.
Not an easy task – Prof Elain Vlok from Clover and Marianne Fassler busy judging one of the lovely dresses.
“At the core of the Clover Mama Afrika project lies the development and empowerment of people through skills training. Sewing has proven to be one of the most feasible skills for the Mamas. Four years into the project, the Mamas were given the chance to show off their sewing skills. Each Mama was given a competition pack, complete with pattern, fabric, buttons, thread, beads and interfacing. They were given four weeks to complete their dresses,” says Prof Elain Vlok, patron of the Clover Mama Afrika project.
Skills transfer
The Clover Mama Afrika project would not have been the success story it is today, had not been for the incredible support of Clover Mama Afrika's proud partners. Bernina is one such a partner that is not only donating equipment, but they also offer valuable skills-transfer opportunities to the Mamas. Part of Mama Esther's prize includes one-week training on the machine, including travel and accommodation - all valued at R25 000, courtesy Bernina.
“The entrants did us proud. They applied all the basic rules of sewing that they learnt during the beginners and advanced courses. We judged quality goods and it was amazing to see their creative talents and the cultural influences applied to their dresses. One pattern with 18 different styles - not one was the same,” says Prof Vlok.
I want to wear this dress!
Creative results – Joelle Berry (Black Khaki Advertising) and Prof Elain Vlok (Clover) give a delighted Clover Mama Afrika, Esther Nkosi with her winning dress and prize - a 340 Berdette embroidery machine from Bernina.
The Mamas' dresses were judged by Marianne Fassler, Prof Elain Vlok (Clover Mama Afrika patron) and Joelle Berry (Special Projects Manager at Black Khaki Advertising). The judges looked for the Mamas' application of the basic sewing rules that they learnt, the neatness of their garments as well as creativity and stitching techniques. Mama Dorah Tshabalala of Ncedisizwe Pre School in Ikageng made sure her dress was different. Even though she was disqualified because she didn't use the required pattern, her dress caught the attention of Marianne Fassler, who commented: “I want to wear this dress!”
“We are honoured to have had Marianne Fassler as one of the judges. Not only was she objective, but she immediately identified which dresses had international selling potential,” says Prof Vlok.
“Thanks to the Bernina sponsorship we were able to evaluate and monitor the progress of the Mamas' sewing skills training. What better way to do it than with a competition. To think that some of the entrants like Mamas Dorah and Glenrose had only been at a beginners course. Special mention must also go to Mama Rosemary Machogo of Lesedi la Thuto Centre in Mangaung and Glenrose Mashiqa of New Era Creche in Mdantsane,” concludes Prof Vlok.
Visit our PRESS OFFICE: Our mission is the marketing, sales, production and distribution of safe and healthy dairy and other technologically related food products and drinks with the use of strong brands.- more....
Connected by: Uninet
Not an easy task – Prof Elain Vlok from Clover and Marianne Fassler busy judging one of the lovely dresses.
Creative results – Joelle Berry (Black Khaki Advertising) and Prof Elain Vlok (Clover) give a delighted Clover Mama Afrika, Esther Nkosi with her winning dress and prize - a 340 Berdette embroidery machine from Bernina. 
muti
del.icio.us
stumbleupon
yahoo
google
facebook
newsvine
Digg
Reddit
GoGuide
