I have been obsessed with crafts since I was a child when I used to watch my granny indulge in her many weird and wonderful hobbies. Tatting, anyone? I learned the basics of sewing from her - how to make neat hand stitches, cut fabric and thread a sewing machine. Since then I have poured hours upon hours of my life into becoming a skilled dressmaker so that by now rarely a day goes by when I am not wearing at least one handmade garment.

Despite the universality of sewing in my granny’s day, it dropped out of favour in my youth and became a pretty niche hobby. I didn’t know anyone who sewed their own clothes outside of my family but that’s no wonder when the fabric and patterns that were available were so unappealing to teenagers.

Today, sewing is a completely different world! Thanks to the popularity of shows like The Great British Sewing Bee and Project Runway, and the ease of sharing inspiration and tutorials on social media, sewing has burst back onto the scene with a creative and modern energy, and I am inspired every day by new patterns, fabric and techniques. Unlike my teenage years I can now happily say I know lots of people who sew. I want to share this love of sewing with the next generation and inspire them to take up a needle and thread, engage with the environmental impact of their fashion choices and, most of all, enjoy being creative!

In my day job I am a secondary teacher which means I am a seasoned communicator, lesson planner, youth worker and a member of the PVG Scheme, Disclosure Scotland.