The Sewing Workshops in Alleys

[We have been here for over 30 years. It was very difficult in the beginning. We went through many difficulties!]
Ms. Bao-luan Chang, born in Changhua, started to work in the garment factory after finishing primary school. Although she was illegal child laborer, she still had to work to support the family. His left hand was injured by the machine in an accident. Though she was severely hurt, she continued to work there. Later, her friend from hometown wanted to work in Taipei. She thought it was a place where dreams came true and wanted to come here as well. So they decided to come to Taipei to try their luck.

In the beginning, Ms. Chang came to a clothing shop in Taipei to learn how to make clothes. After she got married, she rented a house and opened a sewing workshop. Although she had only one hand, but she had very good skills, according to her workers. The workers had to ask and learn from her when they don’t know how to do it. Owning to her excellent skills, her orders were mainly expensive clothes from shopping stores.

Later, since the rent was there, she moved her sewing workshop to Changan St. When we walked into her workshop, we found it was different from other workshops. It was very neat and we could not see cloth piled here and there.

Although she has lost her left hand, she still worked very hard. We admire her very much. Looking at her turning the cloth, organize things, instruct workers all by one hand, we realized how strong and beautiful life could be.

Interview with Ms. Bao-luan Chang
Q1.Why did choose this profession in the first place?
A1 Because I had to make money.

Q2.What is the most difficult part of this job?
A2. Have you ever thought about giving up in times of difficulties?

Q3.Have you ever worked in a family workshop?
A3. Yes.

Q4.When did you start to work?
A4.When I was in junior high.

Q5.Do you like this job? Why?
A5.Of course, because this brings me money.

Q6.Do you have to work overtime when there are many orders?
A6.I used to work overtime, but not now.

Q7.How often can you stay with your family?
A7.At night. I have to work during the day.

Q8.How many hours do you work everyday?
A8.About 7 or 8 hours.

Q9.What have you learnt from this job?
A9. I have learned how to make clothes.

Q10.What challenges are you facing now?
A10 There are more and more styles.

Q11.What was the most impressive memory to you about this profession?
A11.When you make a small mistake in sewing, you have to tear down the clothes and start over again...

Q12.Have you ever been injured at work?
A12.Yes, the hand might be pricked by the needle or burnt by the iron.

Q13.Why does you like this atmosphere?
A13.You can be yourself here and talk while you work.

Q14.What is the happiest thing to you?
A14.Sharing great food together...