My name is Courtney and I am a 28 year old Community Theatre Practitioner living in Glasgow.
When I was awarded the Discretionary Fund to get a sewing machine, I was so excited! I have been sewing for about a year now but before receiving this grant I had very limited access to a sewing machine. I have always loved bold and fun clothes and fantasised about the idea of making my own dresses from all kinds of joyful prints and fabrics.
A Whirr of Freedom: How a Sewing Machine Stitched My Dreams into Reality
Growing up care-experienced, the idea of having my own sewing machine felt like an unattainable luxury. It was a dream I nurtured, a quiet longing that whispered of independence and creative expression. My only access to a sewing machine was through sewing events hosted by sewing companies near me– wonderful initiatives, but ones that often came with their own set of anxieties. The clock ticking, the pressure to maximise every minute of the session, it often overshadowed the joy of creating.
Day 1: The First Cut – A Skirt of My Own
The first project I tackled was a simple skirt. I started using some of the lovely tea-pot fabric that was also purchased for me, I spent hours that first day, meticulously pinning the pattern pieces to the fabric. The stitches weren’t perfect, but they were functional. Each seam I sewed felt like a small victory. The sense of accomplishment when I finally tried on that skirt, still a little rough around the edges, was immense. It wasn’t just a skirt; it was a testament to my hobby and all the possibilities of what I could make, a wearable piece of my own creation. And the best part? I did it all from the comfort of my own home, with a cup of tea by my side, taking breaks whenever I pleased. No rush, no stress, just me making.
Day 3 (A Week or so Later): The Dress Dream Takes Shape
After the success of the skirt, I felt emboldened to tackle something a little more ambitious: a dress. I have made a rough dress before just to get used to putting the right pieces together but this time with some more of the lovely fabric, (this time with dogs on!) I wanted to make something that was truly wearable.
There were moments of frustration, of course, seams I had to unpick, a pattern piece I accidentally sewed incorrectly. But the joy of having my own machine meant I could simply take a deep breath, walk away for a few minutes, and come back to it with fresh eyes. There was no pressure to finish. This quiet, unhurried pace has allowed me to truly learn, to experiment. I still have a bit more of the dress to make but I know that when I finally get to wear it out, I will feel such pride. I already do, my sewing journey is just beginning, and I am so thankful to Moniac Mhor for granting me barrier-free access to fulfil my creative visions!
Today: Stitching for Others, Stitching My Future
Since receiving my sewing machine, my confidence has blossomed. Not only have I made a skirt but I’ve also been able to build on my skills to create something special for someone else. My sister-in-law is getting married soon, and I’ve been busy making some bunting for her wedding. Knowing that my creations will be a part of such a special day fills me with immense joy.
This sewing machine has given me so much more than just the ability to make clothes. It’s given me a sense of purpose, a creative outlet, and a tangible connection to a skill I’ve taught myself. It’s given me the freedom to learn at my own pace, to experiment without pressure. For a care-experienced person, stability and a sense of belonging can sometimes be elusive. This sewing machine has provided a quiet corner of stability in my life, a place where I can truly be myself, create, and dream, one stitch at a time.