Social connection as a common theme in Bobines & Combines

A perfect arrangement of Singer sewing machines in the window brings out the color vividly. In this boutique on Markadet Street, she sews, pins, sews. The constant noise of cars echoes in the street. The idea for Bobines & Combines came to Assia Bietry about fifteen years ago during a dance show. “We made our own costumes in a very friendly environment. Together with my two friends, we then imagined professionalizing ourselves. He recalls.

In June 2010, Asia founded Bobines & Combines with Laurent Lachez.^e in the district in Paris where he lives. The activity revolves around creative workshops and clothing repair for children and adults. “Our evening workshops allowed us to close at 10pm, so I offered a dry cleaning and alteration service. »

This white-walled shop is primarily a residential area where local residents congregate: children, mothers, local residents who want a pair of jeans or a dress repaired. Democratizing sewing to create social connections was the initial spirit of the project. Very quickly, Assia Bietry set up sewing workshops in three Ikea stores in the Paris region. “Parents left their children with us before going shopping, and we taught them felting skills. »

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the activity has come to a complete halt. Asia refuses to be defeated. “I took a loan from the state and kept the team. Together we have developed interactive distance and live courses. » At the same time, two friends who work at Bichat Hospital and Nursing Home asked her to make blouses and gowns. City Hall 18^e The district provides a village hall; There are sewing machines, overlockers and steam generators set up, and volunteers come in droves to lend a hand.

manual launch

It was in the midst of this storm that could sweep society away that couture became fashionable again. Against all expectations, the videos are a hit on Instagram and TikTok. Grandma’s sewing machine comes out of the closet in the home in limited families, in search of activity and meaning. We start by sewing masks for the children and then start making a duvet cover or a dress. These online courses continue today, alternating with in-person group workshops (by appointment only), such as for birthdays or parties.