This article examines the relationship between skill acquisition and the constitution of economic selfhood in Trinidad. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among garment workers in a context of industrial decline, I show how their formal, informal, and illicit means of acquiring sewing skills are inextricably linked to the fragmented and unstable…

A high school fashion design teacher has much in common with the ringmaster of a three-ring circus. The challenges of teaching a hands-on course are to facilitate the entire class and to meet the needs of individual students. When teaching family and consumer sciences, the goal is to have a learner-active classroom. Revamping the high school's…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

Techniques are presented for sewing clothing for children or adults with handicaps. Considerations in sewing adapted clothing include the most appropriate type of pattern for a particular disability, fabric choices, and items needed for clothing construction. Eight sources of sewing supplies are listed, with descriptions of items available.…

The project was designed to acquaint home economics teachers with the textile and power sewing industry's history, job possibilities, and student (including disadvantaged and handicapped) needs and interests. Teachers were taught industrial machine operation, basic maintenance, and safety tips. Four objectives related to gainful clothing services…