Student weaves her way into the world of textiles
A WEAVER from Invergordon is sew delighted after graduating from a fashion and textiles school which bears the name of the world’s largest fashion and luxury group.
Mairi MacLeod, a former pupil of Invergordon Academy, enrolled on an intensive eight-week training course in developing sewing skills and finished products, which took place in the LVMH Textile Training Centre at Dumfries House near Cumnock.
It was run by The Prince of Wales’ charity The Prince’s Foundation. The course aims to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to gain employment in Scotland’s world-famous textiles industry and complements an existing schools programme, Future Textiles, that has been running for four years.
Future Textiles has been running for four years and aims to breathe fresh talent into Scotland’s fashion and textiles industry.
The 26-year-old, who met HRH The Prince of Wales the day she graduated, initially applied for a place on the course to learn how to design products and sew to industry standards. She explained: "Before joining the course, I worked as a costume assistant in Glasgow but didn’t know much about sewing or manufacturing clothes and felt like it would be a great opportunity for me to learn.
"I loved every minute of the course and learned so much as the tutors were very hands-on and the class was small.
"Through the course, I’ve been introduced to many people in the industry which has been great. I’m very interested in sustainability in fashion and being on this course has inspired me to seek employment in the Scottish textiles industry."
On completion of the course, Mairi was presented with a certificate of achievement from The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant and leading Scottish textiles manufacturer John Sugden, who are co-chairs of The Prince’s Foundation’s Future Textiles steering group.
She said: "It was great to meet Patrick Grant and John Sugden as they are both incredibly knowledgeable about fashion and textiles. They took the time to chat to us and were very encouraging."
Jacqueline Farrell, education director at The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, said: "In the British textiles industry, there is currently a huge demand for skilled employees. The courses run by The Prince’s Foundation at The LVMH Textile Training Centre exist not only to equip trainees like Mairi with the practical skills they need but also to connect them with industry professionals.
"As part of the course, the Mairi undertook a work placement with designer Christopher Raeburn in London and everyone was very impressed with her talent and work ethic."
