Sewing in schools

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32848, 23 February 1972, Page 16

Sewing in schools

Sir, —Do intermediate and high school teachers and their inspectors realise that no sewing is taught in the primary schools? Form I girls begin by learning to use machines. Fair enough, but instead of practising on small articles quickly finished, they must make three garments a year. Very rarely do many complete them, because they are too complicated, and the girls become discouraged and begin to hate sewing. The results are so poor at times that mothers have to remake in order not to waste good materials, which are expensive now. lam amazed to find that some high schools are asking third formers to make a woollen outfit, which not all girls like or need in their wardrobes. Do teachers realise that girls of this age are growing so fast and changing shape that it is not practicable to spend $6 a yard on school sewing? Is it not better to progress slowly, developing confidence and skills, a pride of achievement with lesser but necessary garments, such as pyjamas or blouses? This is fairer on the girls, and on mothers’ purses. —Yours, etc., EX-TEACHER. February 22, 1972.