Silent Sewing Academy is the home of the well-known Learn to Sew in 16 Lessons courses which were introduced in 2008. Thirteen years have passed and our course portfolio has grown significantly. With over 350 alumni, and over two thousand well-wishers on social media, the academy is, by far, the most sought-after sewing school in Durban.
About Farhana Arbee
Farhana Essa Arbee ran a home dressmaking industry, Silent Designs, for about 10 years. She designed and created formal-wear, specialising in bridal gowns and cocktail dresses, for her exclusive clientele.
In 2008, Farhana realised that a need existed for structured, syllabus-oriented sewing lessons for the modern woman. That was when Silent Sewing Academy was born…
A 16-lesson course was created which encompassed basic sewing skills and the creation of 13 garments, all catered for the absolute Beginner. That first course was piloted on an individual basis, with students working closely and directly with Farhana. Soon, a group of willing ladies enrolled in the first official course which was hosted in a double garage. With the success of these initial courses, her students began asking for more.
Farhana eventually closed Silent Designs to concentrate more on teaching – her new-found passion. She has always aimed to empower her students by teaching them a skill for life. Farhana went on to create Intermediate Level and Advanced Level courses, now known as Module Two and Module Three. Over the years, she has refined her comprehensive notes, making them more reader-friendly and concise.
As demand rose, Farhana created the Holiday Handwork Programme for young girls as well as a variety of other courses and workshops to cater for all and sundry who were willing to empower themselves with a new skill.
Each year, a showcase is held to celebrate new graduates. Amusingly, no one attended the very first presentation! But Farhana persisted with the notion that there are girls being born every day. Now, her Annual Student Designer Showcase is a not-to-be missed event in the social calendar!
Today, we can gladly say that over 350 ladies, young and mature, have walked through our doors and many of them have gone on to design professionally.
Still based at home, Silent Sewing Academy has now become a household name.
Mission
Silent Sewing Academy sees itself as the most comprehensive and affordable sewing school in South Africa.
Vision
We embark on a mission to empower the women of our society, one matriarch at a time.
What we offer
We offer a variety of sewing courses and workshops for discerning women of all abilities and age levels.
Some interesting statistics
(as at 31 January 2022) – coming soon
Number of students registered:
Average student age:
