Today’s session was a chance for the students to really get stuck in to making things for the first time and the results were tremendous! The pleating skills they learned in the first session were once more put into use and the sewing machines were switched on for the first time.

The session kicked off with Hayley introducing the students to the cuffs and bows that they were going to make and very soon they were creating their templates. Many of the students were already familiar with how to use a sewing machine and had no problem with the straight stitches and button holes they needed to master.

Slip stitches, turning out, sewing on buttons and ironing to an immaculate finish were the other challenges of the afternoon and with support from Hayley and Janete (the very helpful textiles technician!) they all produced something they could be proud of. Although not everyone got the point of completing their accessory they did get to grips with some fundamental skills that will stand them in good stead as they develop their own collection later in the programme (some pieces were also taken away and completed at home).

A feature of the afternoon was also the wonderful informal skill sharing that has developed between the students, each of them playing to their strengths and supporting others along the way. Next week will see them tackle metal work skills and some formal skill sharing as part of their work towards Arts Award.