SIFT (Shalome Institute Of Fashion Designing And Tailoring)

After visiting SIFT, I am wondering if I ever really understood the meaning of the phrase "Fashion Institute". In this multi-purpose church premises of a non-Hyderabadi street, you will encounter the "Sha-Lome" institute. This institute has a "pious" receptionist - Father Charles.

SIFT has been functioning for over a decade now. And it offers so many different courses that it would beat even the national institute. It caters to the interests of all - from young girls (soft toy-making) to grandmas (woolen-knitting). And one woman handles most of it. At this point she beats Sir Oracle.

The students' list contains all women and young girls (as much as I observed). The Fashion Designing course involves sketching, "measurements", pattern designing, etc. The Beautician course teaches you the basic stuff you need to get a job at a beauty parlor. The Tie & Die course involves brush paint, brush "strokes", filling and "shadeing". I wish they had a course in English spelling as well so that they could learn to spell "Dye" and "Shading". SIFT should also be given credit for coming up with innovative names for its courses, like Embroidery "Smoking".

Courses Offered
Cutting & Tailoring - 3 to 4 months (Rs. 600)
Fashion Designing - 6 months (Rs. 2,000)
Beautician - 3 months (Rs. 3,000)
Flower Making - 15 days
Mehendi - 15 days (Rs. 300)
Nib and Pot & Glass Painting - 2 months
Fabric Painting and Tie & Dye - 2 months (Rs. 600)
Embroidery Smoking - 15 days (Hand - Rs. 600, Machine - Rs. 700)
Embosse Painting - 15 days
Tiles Painting - 15 days
Sand Work - 15 days
Board Work - 15 days
Mirror Work - 15 days
Anchor Stitch Work - 15 days
Woollen Knitting - 15 days
Thread Work - 15 days
Soft Toys - 1 month (Rs. 100 per toy)