Innovation with a Craftsmanship Heart: The RESTART Project

At Spazio 3R, we believe that inclusion begins with learning through making. At the same time, we know that to keep up with a constantly changing world, craftsmanship must continue to evolve. That's why the RESTART Project, supported by Fondazione CDP, marks an important step in our journey, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation...

More than needle and thread: embracing the digital challenge...

What happens when traditional tailoring meets technology? New possibilities begin to unfold.

In 2024, we introduced a digital embroidery machine and a laser cutting plotter into our workshop. These tools allowed us to create more personalized products while combining traditional sewing techniques with new digital skills.

This year, we took another important step forward. Thanks to the support of Fondazione CDP, the non-profit organization of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group, the RESTART Project enabled us to purchase a new professional digital embroidery machine and provide specialized training for our workshop managers and tailors.

Learning to use these technologies allows us to respond to the changing needs of today's market. The embroidery machine makes it possible to personalize products while improving efficiency, and the laser cutter helps significantly reduce textile waste, an important step toward a more sustainable way of working.

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Learning from experts: where craftsmanship meets technology...

One of the greatest strengths of the RESTART Project is the opportunity to learn alongside industry professionals, who are guiding us not only in using the machines but also in mastering the software behind them.

This is the real challenge, and a reminder that working in tailoring means always being willing to learn something new.

"After more than 40 years in this profession, I've learned how important it is to keep growing and adapting", says Roberta, Production Manager and teacher in Spazio 3R's vocational training courses. "This opportunity to learn digital tools is giving me new ideas and a fresh perspective on the future of this wonderful craft."

Even the most advanced machine still depends on skilled hands and thoughtful minds. Knowing how to program the software and operate the machine goes hand in hand with traditional skills like threading a needle, changing thread colors, and positioning fabric with care.

The RESTART Project shows that craftsmanship and technology are not opposites. Instead, they complement one another, allowing traditional skills to grow alongside new ones and opening the door to fresh possibilities for the future of tailoring.

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Voices from the workshop: excitement, learning, and new perspectives...

No one can describe this transformation better than the women experiencing it firsthand.

"The digital embroidery machine is an incredibly versatile tool", says Martina, Workshop Manager. "It allows you to create amazing details. At the same time, getting the most out of it means learning the software. It's not something you master overnight, it takes time, patience, and practice, but the results make it all worthwhile".

Halima also sees the value of these new tools while recognizing the learning improvement that comes with them. "It's opened up possibilities for projects we couldn't do before, even though the software can still be challenging. It's a completely new way of thinking about our work".

The RESTART Project is a reminder that tailoring is a living craft, always evolving. Today, traditional skills alone are no longer enough. The real opportunity lies in bringing craftsmanship and digital innovation together, allowing both to enrich one another and helping us build an even stronger future.

A special thank you to Fondazione CDP for believing in this project.