Nymeria Drayak (16), from Orkney, a young carer and a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, was one of 20 learners to graduate in Dundee at the weekend after working through the SQA-accredited Kindred Clothing course entirely online. Her fellow learners, aged 13 to 52, progressed through the course face-to-face.

Nymeria was also presented with ‘The Tailor Trade Award’ by Stephen Brand, Deacon of The Nine Incorporated Trades of Dundee.  Hailed this year’s most outstanding Kindred Clothing learner, Nymeria received a certificate and £350.  

Led by Dundee charity Front Lounge, the Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Production) qualification was designed by a group of young mums in 2021 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 which, again, Nymeria was required to fulfil online, broadcast directly into the charity’s premises in Dundee.

Nymeria, in her first year of a Psychology degree with the Open University, was introduced to the course through the Orkney Young Carers’ Group, who heard about the course from long-term advocate of Kindred Clothing, Orkney fashion designer Kirsteen Stewart.

Kirsteen is also a former Board member of Employability Orkney, which provides sustainable supported employment, training and volunteering opportunities to those facing barriers to employment.

Nymeria, given a dedicated space at Orkney Restart to work on the course, said:

“I was completely new to sewing but thought it would be a brilliant opportunity to make clothes for myself but also for my two young sisters who I care for.

“My younger sisters are both disabled and wheelchair users. Both have complex needs and the challenge is the whole world sometimes feels like it isn’t shaped right or made for them. I am especially excited that, by learning to sew, I now have the skills to adapt and make clothes that can make life more comfortable and stylish for them. For example, my one sister has a feeding tube and that makes it hard to use with a dress and maintain modesty, but adapting clothes to suit her health care needs, she can wear the same styles as her friends.

“I was home-schooled and I’m doing an Open University degree so I’m used to working online, but learning to sew was pretty challenging. Sometimes, I had to move my laptop screen closer to my sewing machine so the tutors in Dundee could see the issue I was referring to, or the part I was struggling with.  You have to keep going, and having Kirsteen pop in to help me was a huge support!  There’s not a lot for young people in Orkney but I’d love more things like this to come here. I think Kindred Clothing would be really popular if it develops. So many people are looking for a focus or something new to do.”

Kirsteen added:

“When I was first involved with Kindred Clothing, it was all remotely, but even then, I could feel the energy of those involved and the impact the course had on those who took part. I always felt we could take it to Orkney, so I spoke to Front Lounge and started to identify groups that might be interested. That was when Nymeria emerged as a pilot student, allowing us to test-run the programme here. It’s been a huge success for her and a steep but very rewarding learning curve! It’s fantastic to hear how the programme has positively impacted her life and it a genuine honour to join here in Dundee for her graduation!”

Kirsteen is now in advanced talks with Front Lounge to explore how the course can be developed in Orkney. 

She continued:

“People on the islands can feel isolated and, like anywhere, some people have suffered real hardships and face barriers to progressing in their lives. My values really resonate with Kindred Clothing as I’m passionate about giving everyone a chance, no matter what’s happened to them.

“While remote learning is brilliant and opens many doors, it would be great to explore the in-person potential for the course here and the funding streams and business people who might be up for working with us on it. Having seen the impact of Kindred Clothing in and around Dundee, I think many people in Orkney would jump at the chance to participate! Kindred Clothing has the power to change people’s paths and life stories through building confidence and self-belief.  It would be amazing to see that happen in Orkney too.”

For more information and to express an interest in taking part in Kindred Clothing, email hello@frontlounge.org, call/leave a message on (01382) 220330 or visit www.frontlounge.org