 Mrs. Barbara Wijesinghe started teaching the innovative 'Check Block' method of dressmaking in the year 1988. Over the years this method has helped thousands and redefined the dressmaking industry. The Sunday Times spoke to Mrs. Wijesinghe on her revolutionary 'Check Block' dressmaking method which today has become immensely popular.
"2009 is my 21st year of teaching and I have so far taught over 3000 young girls and ladies this method of dressmaking. This basic course consists of 16 classes. A majority of students go on to the advanced course which includes various collars, sleeves etc., and the more advanced styles of garments. I also offer a special course in which I teach the saree jacket and bra-cut jacket to ladies. This course consists of 6 classes in which students learn to take measurements, cut out and sew a saree jacket with only three darts and a lined bra-cut jacket which has no darts at all. This method of dressmaking has been taught to a child as young as 12 years, who mastered this skill quite easily and later progressed further to join my adult class. I have also taught this method to a lady of 72 years who told me that learning this skill was like a therapy. Most recently a lady of 82 years has joined my class and says she enjoys what she is learning", says Mrs. Wijesinghe.
Mrs. Wijesinghe's classes comprise of a variety of students from different occupational backgrounds which include principals, lawyers, housewives, domestic aides and even well known dress designers, who have stated that their work has become much easier after having followed her classes. Presently Mrs. Wijesinghe conducts classes in the areas of Nugegoda, Dehiwala, and Talawathugoda and has given the franchise to one of her past student's, who is one of her very talented and loyal students to teach the Check Block method of dressmaking in Wattala under her patent.
"Since I have always been very keen in spreading this method of dressmaking and want to ensure that it does not pass away with me, I have compiled and published a book on this method called, 'The Check Block Method of Dressmaking', which provides detailed instructions on taking measurements, drafting, cutting out and sewing various styles of garments This book was launched in November 2004 and is currently available in certain bookshops. Since there was a demand for the Sinhala version of the book I was fortunate enough to translate this book into Sinhala through one of my students which is published under the name 'Kotu Patharom Kramaya. These books would make 'ideal gifts' even New Year gifts for anyone even slightly interested in dressmaking", further stated Ms. Wijesinghe.
Today dressmaking has become a subject that is most often termed as boring and complicated. It is this complicated scientific method of dressmaking that has made it very unpopular especially among today's younger generation. With the introduction of the 'Check Block" method however new waves of interest and the love for dressmaking has been spread among the young and the old.
Commenting on her future goals and aspirations, Ms. Wijesinghe said, "My vision and aim is to spread this easy method of dressmaking island wide as it would most definitely benefit many girls and women who are struggling to master the scientific method of dressmaking which needs 14 to 21 measurements and numerous calculations.
" Ms. Wijesinghe's efforts and contributions towards the betterment of the dressmaking industry have not gone unnoticed. Her efforts received due recognition and accolades when she was bestowed with the prestigious Presidential Award for the year 2007 for the innovative 'Check Block' method of dressmaking".
On speaking to some of her students I was able to understand that Ms. Wijesinghe's method of teaching has completely transformed the way in which many looked at the area of dressmaking. Students were extremely grateful to her for the very interesting approach in which she taught the subject. Though sometimes firm in her teaching, Ms. Wijesinghe has been able to bring out creativity and interest with regards to the art of dressmaking amongst her students, whilst also ensuring that the 'perfect fit' is always achieved in the easiest and most uncomplicated manner possible. |
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