Czech designers sew drapes. How long does it take them, how many pieces and for whom do they produce? A unique poll showed everything
Most local fashion designers, instead of doing their own work, have thrown themselves into sewing drapes that they distribute to needy institutions, family, friends, and even complete strangers. According to a survey conducted by Life is Fashion, designers then allocate their own resources to sewing the veils. Although even in times of need they need to pay rent, not to mention their own expenses, the seamstresses throw themselves into helping out to the full and in most cases without any remuneration. Life is Fashion reached out to over 200 local designers, and over 50 of them responded to a short survey.
"Our survey showed that designers sew drapes for an average of 8-13 hours a day, with one drape taking about 10-20 minutes to make. The price of one drape without the cost of wages is somewhere around CZK 100, and most of the drapes are donated to hospitals, charities and other needy institutions, or given to friends and family. We should remember this when the current measures ease and we go shopping at fast fashion chains instead of local makers," says Andrea Šlechtová from Life is Fashion about the poll.
And what did the designers' answers look like?
How many hours a day do you sew and how many drapes do you make in that time?
Daniel Rychter: In each "shift" I am able to sew 10-15 drapes of more complex designs, which are made of two layers of material, and 40-50 simple ones folded into an "accordion". Of course, assuming there is enough quality material available.
Gábina Páralová: We all sew drapes. I personally have made 20 so far, because I need to provide work for my tailors in addition to the drapes, so I take care of traffic, sales and designing patterns.
Monika Vaverová, costume studio MIMO Space: I sew from about 9 in the morning, around midnight my boyfriend drives me away from the machine. But I also have to juggle working on commissions, sharing tips and tutorials on Facebook and trying to answer the questions I get from people. On average I make four drapes an hour, so about 40-50 in total in a day. But I'm gradually making the process more efficient.
Lucie Václavová: I sew for about 6 hours a day, I have a small child at home. I make about 30 pieces.
30 Peerless - fashion and wedding atelier. In the meantime, we still have to sew the wedding dresses because no one knows when this will end. If the situation calms down in a month and weddings take place, we have to have the dresses ready.
The shirt: At first, I sewed a few pieces myself for my family, the neighbors in the house, the saleswomen in our neighborhood, and the drivers of the company where my husband works who go to the hospitals every day. As of Tuesday, with the help of our grandmother and a friend, we have already managed 60 a day and are sending for the nursing staff and the most vulnerable group - our seniors at the Care Center in Prague 7. Next week we will also sew with our daughter and grandchildren at the cottage. It is about 60 pieces a day.
Mikela da Luka: At home I sew from morning till night. My husband cuts, irons, even sews on an overlocker. The kids cut strips. We also sew in two workshops, the seamstresses don't stop, we schedule work Saturdays. Home alone on Sundays. We make quantities.
Where do you deliver the drapes?
E.daniely: The main deliveries are to municipalities in the Central Bohemia region, which distribute them to individual employees and seniors, and to various companies in the private sector.
Tamara Bodnárová: So far, I supply drapes to friends who are doctors or work in hospitals. There is a big shortage of drapes there now. I've given a few to my friends as well. All for free or for a voluntary contribution, I don't want to make money, I want to help.
Luděk Hanák: The priority is shops and saleswomen
Lenka Kohoutová (CockerelPrague). From neighbours and people in the area, to hospices, autism centres, organisations for the elderly, individual municipalities looking for protective gear for local firefighters and volunteers, care services, non-profits and of course family.
Kristina Synek (Son on the Move): The bigger batch is for the couriers of the delivery service, and then for the daycare, family, friends, and just about anyone who asks us for them.
Petra Lorencová (Lorii Lingerie). I think that mothers must be already stressed when they bring a baby into this world, so I want to help them at least by giving them a few pieces of colourful, funny drapes that will bring joy even in such a joyless situation. Because I think that's where the world should still remain cheerful.
Tatiana Kováříková. All for free for now.
When did you start sewing drapes?
Jana Mikešová (MIK).
Eva Klabalova: I started sewing on Monday when a friend alerted me to a social media post about a local charity's acute need for drapes for field workers. We didn't hesitate and got started.
Martina Lhotová, Anna Tran and Barbora Kotěšovcová: On Saturday afternoon we read the appeal on FB from studio assistant Alice Klouzkova. Two hours later we were already queuing for fabric in front of Textile Mountain and in the evening the girls and I started sewing at my house. We sew in a group of three and I think we are a great team.
What material do you sew with?
Miroslav Bárta: The material is 100% cotton, canvas. By giving the drapes for free, I'm begging people for material to work on more drapes.
Klára Holanová - Eiri: I sew all the drapes from 100% cotton and in black. Originally the fabric was supposed to become a dress, but instead it's made into a slip.
Lucie Kutálková, designer and owner of LEEDA: So far 100% cotton and 100% hemp. From materials from Leeda's warehouse and donated by Lenka Vacková from Textile Moutain, Evi fabrics and today Tomas Rohal from Bohempia, who gave me the fabrics, to whom I would like to thank.
Lucie Tučná - Original fashion: The material is pure cotton, for children cheerful, for LDN white from batiste, also awesome with lace etc. we try to make it more varied.
Mayda: 100% cotton, it is mostly leftover material from past collections. So it's possible that for some people the drape will match the dress nicely :-).
Sara Sedlak: I sew mainly from solid colours but also printed cotton canvases, which are in high demand now. It's lucky to be part of a community where we share not only materials, but also sewing tips and locations where drapes are most needed, thanks to students and graduates of UMPRUM and of course others.
What do you think is most needed in the current situation?
Lenka Matoušková fashion designer.
Šárka Strnadová: For people to actually wear the veils. At the same time, when they have them, they should make sure that they boil them first and do it after every use. I think it's also important to put them on comfortably before you leave the house and to touch them very little outside, ideally not at all.
Adéla Pečlová: Mutual kindness, support and care. Taking responsibility for your own actions, towards yourself and your surroundings.
Girls Without Clothes: Don't be an idiot. :)
AiM by Michaela Hrinova: In the present time, according to me, the most important responsibility of people is to stay at home, not to underestimate the protective rusks and hygiene.
CHATTY - Radka Sirkova: In the current situation you need to be responsible and considerate not only to yourself but also to your surroundings. Wearing veils is essential, as well as disinfecting them and strictly observing hygiene principles.
Katerina Geisler: Provide drapes to all hospitals, maternity hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, simply to protect first those who care for us and those who are most at risk.
Marie Syrovátková - masha: We struggle the most with material, there is a big shortage of weavers or rubber bands at the moment. At the moment, we have to sew cords for tying from scrap fabric and that takes a lot of time.
Petra Pilařová (fashion designer).
MARAI: The important thing is not to underestimate the situation, to protect yourself and others and not to lose heart, we can handle it.
This article was written in collaboration with Life is Fashion.
