It is important to know that you are good at something, and that you can give other people something. It gives you a sense of pride in yourself, a sense of worthiness. I don't take part in these training sessions at all anymore, or I can come for a specific question if needs be. But usually there is no need. But she just laughed and said that she had other groups to attend to - that it's our project and our business, so we should just get on with it.
Dyes are also quite expensive, and sometimes difficult to get.
The group used to buy good-quality dyes from a national textile factory, but even they have had some problems lately with their supplies. Another problem business-wise is that since this is a community effort, it is also closely linked with everything that goes on in the community. This is something the women do on the side, as it were, it is not a first priority for anyone. We leave them in the shops, and collect the money the next time we are in town, when the materials have been sold. We use that money to buy more fabrics and dyes from there.