From Classroom to Runway
Eight Dundee children, who have completed a clothing-making qualification, have showcased their creations in front of their friends, families and teachers.
The Rosebank Primary School pupils, from primaries five, six and seven, achieved the Qualifications Scotland accredited Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Construction) in over seven weeks.
Through the qualification, designed and delivered by Dundee charity Front Lounge, the children learned how to draft patterns, sew garments, create a lounge top, a t-shirt dress, and a pair of dungarees. They proudly showcased their finished pieces at a celebratory event attended by the school community and their families.
As part of their Kindred Clothing experience, they also enjoyed a trip to Catwalk: The Art of the Fashion Show at V&A Dundee, where they worked on mood boards, and visited the Sky Up Academy Studios in Livingston, where, through film-making and storytelling activities, they developed their literacy and presentation skills.
Marking the first time the Kindred Clothing course has been taught to primary school pupils, sessions were led by Megan McKay, founder of Little Peril Studios, with support from Amy Deans of Front Lounge, also a graduate. Chelsie Bruce, mum to one of the pupils, Brooke, also supported as an assessor alongside fellow Kindred Clothing graduate Courtney Keddie.
Since launching in 2020, 87 learners aged between 9 and 64 have completed the qualification. The course was originally inspired by a group of young parents supported by Front Lounge, including Chelsie, who is now a Trustee of the charity.
Jenniffer Heffell is Head Teacher at Rosebank Primary School, which is a designated ‘craft school’ under Craft Scotland.
She said, “At Rosebank, we believe deeply in the power of making – in children using their hands, their imagination and their voice to create something entirely their own. We are a Craft Scotland project school, committed to weaving and craft-making within our curriculum. The Kindred Clothing course has shown exactly why that matters. Over seven weeks, we watched our pupils grow in pride, skill and confidence as they drafted patterns, problem‑solved, and produced garments they could stand up and celebrate. This experience has opened doors for them, showing that creativity, resilience and craftsmanship belong at the heart of learning. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We can’t wait to see where the development of craft and incorporating sewing machines takes us next at Rosebank.”
Chika Inatimi, Project Leader, Front Lounge, added, “Since launching Kindred Clothing back in 2020, we’ve been amazed by the transformation and development of our learners, often in just a few weeks. Thanks to Megan, who adapted the course to suit, these eight children have had an incredible experience, realising they can start a project from scratch and turn it into something tangible – there were so many “I did that!” moments throughout the course, whether said internally or on presentation day.
“As we mark 25 years as a charity, it’s vital that we continue to invest in the children growing up around us. Building confidence and resilience at a young age really can set them up for the challenges life will throw at them. Time and time again, we see that Kindred Clothing has the power to do that. It was wonderful to see the children celebrating their success in front of their teachers, friends and families. Once again, I’d like to thank Head Teacher Jennifer Heffel and the parents for agreeing for their child to take part in this pilot.”
With Front Lounge now in active discussions with other primary schools interested in adopting the course, the Kindred Course is open to all schools and community groups, as well as individuals seeking a fresh focus. For further information, email hello@frontlounge.org or visit www.frontlounge.org
ENDS
NOTE TO EDITORS
Led by Dundee charity Front Lounge, the Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Production) qualification was designed by a group of young mums in 2020 and is delivered by businesses within the Clothes Making Learning Partnership (CMLP). They take 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 amongst their fellow learners, tutors and others.