In 2020 Front Lounge launched Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Production) at SCQF Level 5 with 30 credit points. Young people are quite literally sewing their way to a brighter future!
Kindred Clothing takes learners through the key stages of the garment production process, from setting up and using a sewing machine to mood boards, pattern making and garment construction. Learners also gain practical fashion photography skills and techniques to present themselves, their stories and their clothes.
Each element of the course is delivered by industry professionals (Clothes Making Learning Partnership members), and learners build up portfolios documenting all the things they have learned. To gain the qualification, learners must complete all the necessary assessments, complete the mandated number of hours, and present a portfolio of their work at the end of the course.
In total 23 learners have completed the course since the course’s inception.
As well as working with young people in the community, Kindred Clothing is also making an impact within schools. Two Dundee secondary schools have trialled the course, providing motivation and opportunities for pupils who are disengaged with mainstream learning.
One of the latest participants to complete the course is Amy (24), mum to two-year-old Leo. Amy commented,
“I had just moved to Dundee when I found out about Kindred Clothing. I was struggling with anxiety and needed a distraction. Kindred Clothing gave me a break from the negative things going on in my life and really helped with my mental health. I’ve learnt so many skills – I’ve made a bag, lounge suit, bucket hat and a t-shirt dress. Don’t get me wrong; it’s not been easy. I’ve been stressed, I’ve been confused, but I’ve also had such a laugh and made so many new friends. I’ve also learnt that patience is key and there’s always a solution. One day, I’d love to open a clothes shop in Kirriemuir for all ages and sizes.”
Meanwhile, Maureen King, Support Worker at Baldragon Academy, added,
“Kindred Clothing is making a fantastic and important contribution to our pupils and the school. Most of all, it’s given these young people a focus and the chance to work towards a credible and valuable qualification in a different way than they might have realised was possible. They’re also creating new friendships, building their confidence and seeing their true potential. The young people are genuinely surprised at what they can do, so Kindred Clothing is also opening their eyes to new possibilities down the line.”
For more information, email hello@frontlounge.org, call/leave a message on (01382) 220330 or visit www.frontlounge.org
All photography by Grant R Keelan of PPG Photography
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