Before arriving in Australia, Congo refugees Beatrice Nyamajana, Riziki Ramadhani and Beatrice Neema didn't sew.
At the start of the year, they started taking beginner classes in Albury Wodonga on the NSW and Victorian border, and stitch by stitch their confidence is growing.
They are now solo behind a machine, making bags and mending clothes.
They are hopeful of improving skills to sell their own clothes and accessories, with the ambition of one day running their own business.
Ms Nyamajana said time flew in the sewing room.
"We enjoy it. We are together, chatting, laughing and happy," she said.
"It's opened our minds. We learn in English and every time we tell our teachers two hours is not enough time."
The sewing classes are a joint initiative from the Albury Wodonga Ethnic Communities Council (AWECC) and not-for-profit social enterprise group SisterWorks for women of refugee, migrant and asylum seeker backgrounds.
AWECC chief executive officer Richard Ogetti said the idea for Saturday morning classes started during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a demand for reusable face masks.
"Having that financial independence and economic participation is a key issue when it comes to being able to integrate well within the community," he said.
In their sewing class, Ms Nyamajana, Ms Neema and Ms Ramadhani are guided by teacher Beryl Hartshorn.
Ms Hartshorn said the classes were small, with up to six sewers, to enable more on-one-one learning.
She said the first steps involved familiarising the women with sewing machines, different styles of stitching, sewing buttons and velcro.
Ms Hartshorn said students had moved on to making aprons, shopping bags and glasses cases.
"When they go to the intermediate class, they will learn how to draw up their own patterns for bags, and how to change patterns, draw up their own patterns to fit with measurements," she said.
"Some come in and they are very timid, and then they all get talking.
"I am hoping, maybe even by the end of the year, one of these ladies will be teaching the new ladies."
Congolese clothing, known for its bright colours and designs, isn't easily purchased in Australia.
"We have to call family back in our country to send us clothes," Ms Nyamajana said.
The women are hopeful of soon making their own clothes and for their family, and even starting a business.
"This is my dream," Ms Nyamajana said.
