Thread of Life

A strange photo to post but it means so much ♥️ Today our first Thread of Life student is to be awarded Silver Arts award (equivalent to a 4-9 GCSE). This student is in foster care. The adversities a looked after child faces are countless so to watch them work with determination display their talent is such a joy ♥️ They have been attending sewing classes with me week after week for years and made countless garments- designed, costed, pattern drafted, sewn, overlocker, embellished and printed.
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I am so proud of them and wish so many others who struggle at school had opportunities like these to get the qualifications their required to have for post 16 education.
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Made possible by the Virtual School and incredible foster parents.

I am so happy to announce that my eldest childs secondary school has agreeded to remove all phones from school curriculum for key stage 3. (For those not in the “lingo” like myself this is year 7 to year 9 age 11-14 😅)
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Devices in our family are a big topic of conversation between parents and kids. Our eldest child was one of the only children without a smart phone in his year group. A decision we made as we believe our children are safer without a smart phone than with a smartphone.
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So in his first week at his new secondary school we found out his teachers were regularly asking their year 7 students “to get out their smart phone for class work” we were very saddened and concerned.
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The school listened to my concerns well and have actioned removal of students smart phone usage in their year 7 classroom and eventually up to year 9.
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I personally believe all school sites should be phone free premise as I believe and statistics demonstrate children are safer without phones.
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If you agree/disagree with my thoughts I’m always happy to chat providing you are polite 😊
A special shout out to who has been doing so much work in the back ground of our community on this issue. And amazing photos by and to all those who attend our event in May

What a night ✂️ so proud of them and their work. Each designed a banner and hand sewed using digital laser cutter and machine sewing 🎉

💯 plastic free and home compostable ♻️

Cricut Derby College with Virtual school. And got to enjoy amazing goods from Just-Ice: Ethical Ice Cream

Loving seeing the students banners come together 🌈 ♥️ 🎨 ⭐️

This week we had the privilege of interviewing Dave Linton from Madlug Movement
The kids came up with their own questions which ranged from “did you did you go to uni? Do you do this for fun of Fame? How old are you? Where are you and care?”
Dave’s answers were so moving. I don’t think any of us will forget that interview. ♥️ Thank you Dave for your time and for everything you do at Madlug to dignify children in care.

Two children’s capes made from a old duvet cover ready for a students fashion show tomorrow 🎉

Prototypes in the studio today! Making for super hero capes course for our Advanced beginners sewing group 💜
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the leopard print are ♻️ donations from the inspiring brand Scamp & Dude 🙏

Hand made Christmas gifts ready for students who are no longer able to attend our sewing sessions. ✂️
We try and keep in touch with lots of our learners who move home or leave, letting them know we think of them and they are always welcome. 🎁
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French linen stocking, hand embroidered names and recycle tags.

This week our creative students created their own laser branding “VS” for Virtual School. With the help of a wood laser expert and designer who created the branding.
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Looking forward to seeing what products the students make yet to use these labels on!