Threading Connections – Sewing Strengthens Orkney Community
A brand-new, inclusive sewing course designed to bring generations together through creativity is coming to Orkney.
As part of the Kindred Clothing project, which began in Dundee, recent taster sessions saw three local participants create a unique collection of handmade garments.
As part of the EVOLUTION project, three experienced sewers have been gathering from Wednesday to Friday at King Street Halls in Kirkwall. Each invited a sewing novice to join them for three Saturday morning taster sessions at the Old Library in Kirkwall.
Supported by Developing the Young Workforce Orkney and The National Lottery Community Fund’s Young Start, the group produced a vibrant range of clothing including tote bags, dresses, dungarees and lounge suits. Their work culminated in a celebratory runway event on Saturday 7 June 2025, where friends and family admired the colourful creations.
Alongside garment-making, the experienced sewers also learned how to deliver the course themselves, which sees them gain the Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Construction) qualification.
Involved from the outset was 17-year-old Kindred Clothing graduate Nymeria Drayak, who completed the course entirely online last year. She was recognised as the programme’s most outstanding learner and received The Tailor Trade Award from The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee when she graduated in September 2024.
Nymeria was introduced to the course through the Orkney Young Carers’ Group, who heard about it from long-term advocate of Kindred Clothing, Orkney fashion designer and social entrepreneur Kirsteen Stewart. Nymeria, who is now in the second year of a Psychology degree with the Open University is excited to now see Kindred Clothing rolling out to the wider island community.
She said, “I am so excited for everyone who gets to experience Kindred Clothing this year! It makes me feel so happy and proud that such a wonderful opportunity has come to the islands because so often the islands get forgotten. I would love to thank Kindred Clothing and Front Lounge for coming to Orkney last year, and for coming again this year, and for giving people in Orkney the chance to be a part of such an incredible course!”
Briony Avery (63), a member of the Scottish Women’s Institute in Orkney, is one of the experienced sewers learning how to deliver Kindred Clothing. She said, “When I heard about Kindred Clothing, it really resonated with me. Having taught for over 30 years and now working for Learning Link in Kirkwall, I love supporting people who want to improve their learning, in whatever sphere that may be, teaching skills and helping people improve their confidence and skillsets. I also love sewing and crafting and particularly enjoy sharing skills and getting others involved. It’s been wonderful learning how to deliver the course in the future and, by getting others involved, to keep building that sense of community here on Orkney.
“We also have a craft trail on Orkney and hold markets when the cruise ships come in, so there’s lots of scope for learners to go on to sell their work or to make clothes for themselves and their children. It’s also just about finding something you enjoy and achieving something, whatever age or stage you’re at in life.”
Kirsteen, who supervised and supported the group throughout the project, alongside remote support from the Dundee team, added, “It’s fantastic to see Kindred Clothing officially launch in Orkney! This is such an exciting milestone for me. After two years of conversations with Front Lounge, the vision I had from the very beginning is now becoming a reality. It truly feels like the start of an exciting new chapter, and I’m thrilled to share it with the Orkney community. I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact this course has had on lives in and around Dundee, and I can’t wait to see the difference it makes here. A heartfelt thank you to Chika and the whole team at Front Lounge for believing in this vision and helping bring it to life.”
Meanwhile, Kayleigh Archibald (36), who teaches evening sewing classes on Orkney alongside Kirsteen’s mum Ann Stewart, also took part in the project as a trainer.
Kayleigh, who has a two-year-old son, said, “When I heard about Kindred Clothing coming to Orkney, I saw it as a real opportunity. It also resonated with me as it was originally set up for young parents who were perhaps feeling a little isolated and needed something positive to do, and I’ve felt that myself. As a stay-at-home mum, I’m ready for something to get my teeth into and to give me that sense of self back again, which you can lose as a mum. I also feel so supported through Kindred – I feel heard, part of something, and want others to feel that way while also doing a productive activity. I’m also hoping it opens doors to work, as it’s challenging to commit to work with a toddler at home.”
For more information and to express an interest in taking part in Kindred Clothing Orkney, email hello@frontlounge.org, call/leave a message on (01382) 220330 or visit www.frontlounge.org
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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.