IBDP CAS Cushion Making experience

One of our favorite memories from primary school was when we would sit on the carpet at the end of the day and our teacher would tell us a story. We used to make ourselves feel at home, on the different coloured cushions and beanbags; carefree, and happy. It was comforting to lounge with our friends and not have to worry about a thing! As we have been completing our IB (and our school lives) we have been reminiscing on the joys of primary school and it inspired us to create cushions for our younger peers! 

We embarked on this journey almost 12 months ago, and with the help of our classmates, we managed to create over 20 hand-made cushions. To fund our project, we organised a Christmas bake sale with some delicious goods and hot chocolate. Before we knew it, we were fully involved in planning how the rest of the project would go. From taking measurements of model cushions, to looking for places in Kamwala to buy synthetic cushion stuffing, we spent several hours after school racking our brains to be able to use every inch of the old graduation gowns. We wanted to have the least amount of waste and reused the zippers and sleeves as extra stuffing for the cushions. 

The hardest part was splitting ourselves into groups and stitching the cushions covers. This was a new skill and most of us were inexperienced. It was a long and tedious process that we worked on even during the summer holidays. With the help of our coordinator and some experienced peers and parents, we got the knack of using the sewing machines and finished stitching enough cushion covers. After that, when we stuffed our first cushion, the joy and sense of fulfillment that overwhelmed us was unforgettable. 

After what seemed like an eternal task of sewing and organising, we were able to finish stuffing the rest of the cushions, and present them to the eager lower primary children and teachers during their assembly. Seeing the children jumping onto the cushions, laying on them, and trying to hug the huge cushions with their tiny bodies brought us so much satisfaction. It felt amazing to be able to give back to the school that nurtured us. This project was not just about enhancing their nap time, but also about reusing old material that seemed to have no use. We transformed the old graduation gowns by washing, ironing, and sewing them, into something beautiful! 

Keerthana Nair, Jessica Patel, and Christina Smit.