Stitch n' Sew

What do C.V. Starr students do to relax, unplug, and get creative? About 20 of them meet every Thursday for an after-school sewing club.

Olga Rodriguez-Binghi, the teacher who founded the club wanted to provide students with the opportunity, “I was taught the skill of sewing at an early age by my mother. I wanted to provide students with the opportunity to learn some basic sewing skills, enhance their concentration, unplug, and spark their imagination.”

Last year was the first year the club was offered. The projects included pajama pants and a plush animal. This fall, students are working on a string bag.

At the start of each session, Rodriguez-Binghi gives a short lesson on sewing. Today she explains how to thread a safety pin through the top hem of the bag so that it will cinch when finished. Students collect their supplies and retreat to a desk to get to work.

Two brothers, Luca and Santino Gileno, are taking the class together.

“Our mother wanted us to learn how to sew. She got me a sewing kit so I practiced a little bit before the club, but I’m learning different kinds of stitches,” said Luca.

“I am excited about the string bag–I am going to use it for school stuff,” said Santino.

Students got to pick their own fabrics from an assortment: hearts, solar system, Harry Potter, paisleys, flowers, and harvest.

“I sometimes have trouble finishing projects,” explained Emily Waszak, “I've been knitting a hat for two years. This club is great because we complete a string bag project in a few weeks.”