| RO1 | Threads of memory: Traditional sewing circle (“Șezătoare”) | |
| Partner organization (who designed it) | Timiș County Youth Foundation | |
| Overall description (Tell us the story of this activity) | This activity revives the Romanian tradition of șezătoare, where people used to gather in the evenings to sew, weave, and tell stories. Participants are invited to bring fabric scraps, embroidery hoops, or traditional sewing kits and engage in stitching simple patterns while discussing ecological and cultural memories, family traditions, and intergenerational knowledge. It’s a creative, slow-paced way to build community and reflect on the value of traditional crafts in a fast-changing world. | |
| Total Duration: | 2.5 hours | |
| Group size: | 8-12 people | |
| List of materials: (from pens to papers to Wi-Fi to an elephant) | Embroidery hoops, thread, cloth, needles, cushions, chairs, hot tea, speaker/music | |
| Activity’s objectives: (what do you want to achieve by delivering this activity) | Encourage intergenerational and intercultural dialogueFoster mindfulness and emotional connection through slow, repetitive activityHighlight sustainable practices and textile reusePreserve traditional techniques | |
| memory archive timeline: information, picture and link. e.g. short story. | Year: 1920s Summary: In many Romanian villages during the interwar period, women gathered by lamplight in long winter evenings to embroider traditional motifs on shirts and pillowcases. These gatherings, or șezători, were not just practical—they were social hubs where folk stories, songs, and ecological wisdom about plants, seasons, and sustainability were shared orally. (Picture of an old șezătoare somewhere in Moldova, 1920s) | |
| Step-by-Step Description | ||
| Time: (mins) | Activity Description: Include all the steps needed, Include notes for the facilitation. | |
| 20 mins | Welcome and context: Introduction to the șezătoare tradition, showing old photos and stories. | |
| 30 mins | Demonstration: A guest (e.g. elder or craftsperson) demonstrates simple stitches and explains symbolic patterns. | |
| 60 mins | Group sewing & sharing: Participants sew while talking in pairs or small groups about ecological memories. | |
| 30 mins | Reflection circle: Participants display their work and share what they talked about or learned. | |
| 10 mins | Closing notes and documentation: Photos, quotes, or audio may be collected for the memory archive. | |
| Extra information we need to take into account. Notes for facilitation etc (in case needed) | ||
| Preparations for the activity: (what do you need to do, who needs to do it, etc.) | Venue setup: Choose a warm, intimate indoor space, ideally decorated with traditional textiles, and with enough chairs arranged in a circle to foster conversation. Materials: Prepare embroidery hoops, fabric squares, threads in traditional colors (red, blue, black, white), thimbles, needles, scissors, and handouts with a few Romanian folk motifs (and their meanings). Facilitation: Invite a local artisan or elder who knows traditional embroidery to co-lead the activity and offer mini tutorials. Atmosphere: Prepare calming background music (Romanian folk instrumental) and offer herbal tea or fruit infusion to create a cozy, slow-paced environment. | |
| Evaluation of the activity: (Describe how will you explore what worked, what did not, what should be changed, what as the impact, was the objective achieved and to what extent…) | Use a “stitch & share” reflection circle where each participant explains the meaning of their embroidered piece and what they learned during the session. Provide short written feedback cards with prompts like: “Something I learned today…” “Something that reminded me of home…” Facilitators can document emotional engagement, social bonding, and discussions using a feedback logbook or group photos. | |
| Expected Outcomes: What are the expected learning outcomes, social outcomes, or other benefits. Describe how it contributes to collecting and sharing socio-ecological memories. | Development of fine motor skills and mindfulness through a repetitive, meditative task.Increased appreciation for textile reuse and heritage craft.Intergenerational learning: younger participants gain cultural insight; older participants feel valued for their knowledge.Strengthened community bonds through collective, reflective crafting. | |
| Appendices (If relevant – handouts, internet links, etc.) | ||
Threads of memory: Traditional sewing circle (“Șezătoare”) #6