CREATING A COMMUNITY
Simply Sewing|Issue 94, 2022
Disabled sewists are revolutionising representation and showing us the importance of inclusion
Marie Lawlor
CREATING A COMMUNITY

The sewing community as a whole has undergone a kind of reckoning in the last couple of years. Progress is continuing to be made to ensure that marginalised groups are being seen and listened to.

When I first began sewing in 2016, I didn't 1 see anyone visibly disabled on my Instagram feed, and certainly not in wider publications and in the media.

My interest in sewing began during rehabilitation from a particularly gruelling surgery. My occupational therapist felt that I would benefit from starting a hobby, just for the sake of enjoyment. I dusted off my unused sewing machine from my wedding 14 years previously. I read the manual, and without a clue on what seam allowance was, or that you should change the needle after a while, I made some gorgeous bunting for my daughter's bedroom. I had found my hobby!

After reading through Tilly and the Buttons' Love at First Stitch, the idea of making my own clothes was cemented. To be able to make clothes that fit, and that I could adapt to my needs, was so exciting!

GETTING COMFORTABLE

In January 2017 | tentatively posted my first successful creation to Instagram - the Cleo dress from Tilly and the Buttons. From there, I began conversing with people online about our love of sewing; immersing myself with people with a shared passion was immeasurably positive for my wellbeing. At this time however, I wasn't aware of any other disabled sewists.

Over time, people started to become aware that I have Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but I never included any photographs of myself in my wheelchair or using crutches.

I had a fixed idea that to show a photograph of my sewing, I needed to be standing for it to be acceptable. It took two years for my crutches to appear on my feed, and this was through absolute necessity as I had a fractured hip.

Denne historien er fra Issue 94, 2022-utgaven av Simply Sewing.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra Issue 94, 2022-utgaven av Simply Sewing.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SIMPLY SEWINGSe alt
I AM PAN
Simply Sewing

I AM PAN

The Pan top from I AM Patterns' Goddess collection can be sewn in wovens or knits for a comfortable and versatile basic

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 101, 2022
WHEN TWO BECOME ONE
Simply Sewing

WHEN TWO BECOME ONE

Portia Lawrie shows us how to upcycle jumpers to make a new winter wardrobe staple

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 101, 2022
CHANGEMAKERS
Simply Sewing

CHANGEMAKERS

There's no denying that the garment industry is doing damage to our planet, but the powerful forces behind the Zero Waste Design Collective are working hard to make a difference

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 101, 2022
STITCH upcycle
Simply Sewing

STITCH upcycle

Jazz up an old pair of jeans with a stitched pocket edge! Mollie Johanson shows us how to add a subtle pop of colour to any trouser

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 101, 2022
HANDMADE TRIBUTE
Simply Sewing

HANDMADE TRIBUTE

Friendship, community and the memory of a good friend - Robert Sexton's favourite make is close to his heart

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 101, 2022
PATTERN REVIEW
Simply Sewing

PATTERN REVIEW

Each month in our pattern review column, readers share their unique style with a gorgeous garment make!

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 101, 2022
TO THE RESCUE!
Simply Sewing

TO THE RESCUE!

Children can be the star of their own action-adventure story with Kirsty Hartley's mask and cape set the perfect gift this Christmas!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 101, 2022
THE RITA DRESS
Simply Sewing

THE RITA DRESS

Sew a midi- or maxi-length wrap dress to style for party season with the Rita Dress - an easy-sew design for dreamy lightweight fabrics

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 101, 2022
FRESH TAKE
Simply Sewing

FRESH TAKE

Before heading off on honeymoon, Madhu Kottalam transformed an unused sari into this beautiful two-piece

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 99, 2022
MY SEWING WORLD
Simply Sewing

MY SEWING WORLD

From her woodland cabin, Taylor runs Softpaw Vintage where she recycles vintage textiles into timeless garments

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 99, 2022