We share stories and collect data to tell the larger story of textile culture in the South, and to create a future for the industry based on mutual success.
We will work with organization that share our goals and visions and can help further our project.
We are proud of our region but aware of the pain that surrounds the research we undertake. It is our responsibility to tell all truths, not just the convenient ones.
We carry out this work with integrity, respect, and responsible environmental practices.
Symposia and counting
Community Events and counting
Oral Histories Recorded
Years of History to study
We seek your support in growing Project Threadways and offer a variety of sponsorship levels and benefits for individuals and businesses. To learn more about these opportunities, contact think@projectthreadways.org or click the button below to give.
"The pay was, yes, the pay was really good considering the type of jobs it was around in the area, you know. Which I did get an interview at Ford Motor Company before I went to Tee Jays, but I, well actually it was before I left H.D. Lee, and I found out that I was pregnant so that was the end of that. But yes it was very productive. The more you worked, the harder you worked and the more work you put out there then the more money you made. And it was very good paying at that time, it really was. Best paying job that I had ever had."
- Patricia Goodman, Tee Jays seamstress from 1980 - 1995
"I helped pay my way through college. I did make some friends there. The guys that were back in the shipping and receiving department became good friends of mine. I got introduced to the world of labor unions. I think I had to join the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and I didn’t have any idea what unions were all about. I just knew that people joined unions whenever they went to work."
- Larry Allen, floor sweeper for Reltoc pants' manufacturing company from 1971 - 1974
"Well my husband used to work at Sweetwater Mills. They made men’s underwear too. My sister-in-law worked there. And they would tell about…there was one building that they would have to run water on in the summertime to keep it cool enough for them to work the machines. And the women would pass out because it would be so hot. You know, and you had to work so hard."
- Sue Hanback, Tee Jays seamstress from 1978 - 2006