Sewing With Auntie

KHOO Yan Ting, NUS Business School

SIM Qin Ying, Sewing while chatting. AI generated (Dall-E).

“My service partner and I had the privilege of working with an elderly lady we affectionately call Auntie. She is a retired tailor. She taught us the basics of sewing, like repairing wear and tear in coats and sewing buttons securely.

Due to her deteriorating eyesight and dexterity, Auntie struggled with threading the needle and sewing accurately at times. Despite our offer to help, Auntie insisted on completing these tasks herself. Her resilience is truly humbling.

Teaching us sewing gave Auntie a sense of purpose and accomplishment, her way of giving back by sharing her skills. On the other hand, providing encouragement and companionship contributed to Auntie’s emotional well-being, our way of showing appreciation.

With each completion of the sewing task, the joy on her face was priceless. Each session brought a blend of learning and bonding.  The project was immensely rewarding.”