Helen Burns is a resident of Thomas Heights, an Avesta Housing affordable housing development in Portland. She volunteers to teach free sewing classes at The Root Cellar, a Portland-based nonprofit. Helen’s mother was a seamstress who taught her four daughters to make their own clothes “out of necessity” — skills that Helen now passes on to others, most of whom have limited income. 

Over a 10-week course, students learn how to make their own clothing from start to finish, including choosing a pattern, measuring and cutting fabric, and learning how to set up and use a sewing machine. All materials are donated.

“When you teach someone something, you can see a light bulb come on and they go, ‘Oh, that’s how you do it,” Helen said. “It’s very rewarding to see that happen and witness the beautiful things they make. I look forward to it.”