These Cuenca Retirees Picked Up Sewing Machines Instead of Rocking Chairs — And They're Selling What They Make

Retirement looks different in El Cebollar.

Since October 2025, a group of women — mostly retirees — has been meeting every Saturday at 10:00 AM at the San Pedro de El Cebollar parish church to learn industrial sewing. What started with 18 women has settled into a committed core of 10 women and 1 man, and on May 10 — Mother's Day — they launched their first product sale right at the church.

What They're Making

Under the guidance of Sonia Barbecho, a 51-year-old instructor with 30 years of garment-making experience, participants have learned to operate industrial and overlock machines. They're producing reusable bags, blouses, and thermal sheets for the elderly — practical items with real demand.

The People Behind the Stitches

The workshop has drawn a wonderfully diverse group:

• Ivonne Delgado, 57, who earned her artisan certification from the Academia Continental. "Returning to study was complicated," she says, "but my family supported me greatly."
• Graciela Coronel, 67, a retired physician: "I've always liked sewing and made clothes for my children."
• Sara Flores Padilla, who has spent 35 years creating masks, stained glass, and ceramic art — and is now adding sewing to her repertoire.

Padre Andrés Astudillo, the parish priest, has provided the church space for the workshop.

Why This Story Matters

If you're retired in Cuenca — or thinking about it — this is the kind of community infrastructure that makes this city special. It's not just about learning a skill. It's about showing up every Saturday, belonging to something, and making things that matter. That's a pretty good model for retirement anywhere.

Source: El Mercurio