The Conclusion of the First Advanced Sewing Course in Macherio Opens New Possibilities: Participants Shared Their Experience

A journey that has just come to an end, but one that left behind far more than just technical skills. In the Macherio workshop, needle and thread became tools for building relationships, confidence, sharing new experiences, and new paths forward in life...

Needle, Thread, and Connection: The Participants' Experience...

The first 125-hour advanced sewing course at the Macherio workshop has officially concluded. The course was part of the project Together to Rebuild Community Connections, developed in partnership with Cooperativa La Grande Casa and supported by Fondazione Cariplo and Fondazione della Comunità di Monza e Brianza.

"The sewing course came at a time when I was looking for work and wanted to invest my energy in something I've enjoyed since I was a child," one participant shared.

For her, the course was not only an opportunity to learn sewing techniques, but something much deeper.

"More than anything, I stitched together new connections. These courses and meetings are spaces for building community. Everyone arrives with their own story, and among needles, thread, and quiet moments, those stories become woven together."

Over the past several months, Ilaria and Anastasia, the course teacher and tutor, transformed the workshop into a welcoming environment where learning grew through shared knowledge, conversation, and mutual support.

Even participants with little or no previous experience felt encouraged and supported. As another participant explained, having patient, knowledgeable instructors made all the difference. "They guided us every step of the way, even people like me who didn't know where to begin."

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Between Learning and New Beginnings...

Throughout the course, participants developed strong technical skills. Compared to the introductory program, the advanced course placed greater emphasis on working with industrial sewing machines and zigzag machines, constructing more complex garments, and creating cosmetic bags and accessories using high-quality leftover fabrics available in the workshop.

But this is far from the end of the story.

For many participants, the course became a turning point—not just a chance to learn a craft, but a first step toward new opportunities.

"I learned to sew with my own trembling hands under the guidance of exceptional teachers like Ilaria and Anastasia. Today, I can say that I have found a new project for my life. I know I still have a lot to learn and room to grow, but thanks to the foundation they gave me, I know I can create something beautiful."

One of the women who completed the course will soon begin a sewing internship, continuing her training between Spazio 3R's workshops in Milan and Macherio.

The advanced course in Macherio comes to a close with completed garments and newly acquired skills, but above all with meaningful relationships, greater self-confidence, and journeys that continue beyond the workshop walls.

While the co-working program continues, next week participants will also begin a job-readiness program with a professional career coach, along with a series of art therapy workshops.

Because once again, sewing together means more than creating something with fabric, it also means finding your place in the world, one stitch at a time.