My Sewing Journey
A Fabric of Change (2018 - to Date)
2018
Threads of Inspiration
Life had taken a beautiful whirlwind. A new country (UK!), a brand new husband, and a precious 6-month-old baby – my world was overflowing with joy, but also a touch of chaos. I craved a piece of "me time" amidst the wonderful whirlwind.
New routines, new challenges, yet a gnawing feeling: where was "me time"? Creativity, once a constant companion, felt like a forgotten language.
The answer, it turned out, was hiding in plain sight: creativity. Back in East Africa, textiles and design were a big part of my life. Maybe, just maybe, revisiting them could be my personal haven.
So, my darling husband bought me a sewing machine and I had my pile of African fabrics gifted to me during our traditional wedding in Uganda. Those first tentative stitches felt like a homecoming – a comforting rhythm in a life that felt unfamiliar.
2019
From Nervous Stitches to Confident Seams
With each project, my confidence grew. Sewing became my escape, my quiet time to experiment and create. It was more than just a hobby; it was a way to express myself and reclaim lost creative energy. From simple repairs to playful baby clothes, my sewing journey was blossoming.
Learning to Fly (Without a Seamstress Net!)
There were certainly some comical mishaps (the short croach pants that bruised my pants sewing dreams), but with each mistake came a valuable lesson learned.
Also, my sewing journey wasn't a solo act. I joined online sewing communities, connecting with other creative souls who shared my passion. We swapped tips, celebrated successes (and commiserated over seam-ripping moments), and inspired each other to keep stitching forward.
2020
Birth of the Letasi Dress
Inspired by the vibrant creativity of East African artisans, I started thinking about how I could use my sewing skills to get more people to experience the East African Batik fabrics. Could I create a platform that showcases their talent and craftsmanship? This growing desire blossomed into the Letasi Signature Dress, a project dedicated to promoting East African creativity and artistry in the realm of batik fabric design and sewing skills.
2021
Exploring My Sewing style
Sewing Books and YouTube tutorials continued to be my best friends, and charity shops became treasure troves.I discovered a whole new world of fabrics and patterns, each one a door waiting to be opened. The intricate beauty of batik fabrics resonated deeply with my Ugandan roots, and I started incorporating them into now established love for vintage styles and designs.
2022
Confidence Takes Shape:
Hello Accessories
Looking back, I realized how far I'd come. My skills had blossomed, my confidence strengthened. I started tackling more challenging projects, pushing my boundaries and learning new techniques. Creating beautiful garments that fit well brought a sense of accomplishment and a newfound appreciation for the artistry involved in sewing.
2023
A Daring Dare (and a New Adventure! -The Sewing Bee!)
One day, a friend I was mentoring in Uganda challenged me: she'd take a leap of faith on her creative journey if I dared to apply for the Great British Sewing Bee! Initially hesitant, the thought of representing East African creativity on such a platform fueled my resolve. "If this is another way to empower others," I thought, "then it's a dare I'm willing to take!"
2024
The Great British Sewing Bee & Beyond
The Sewing Bee was a whirlwind of learning, pressure, and pure joy. Sharing my passion with a wider audience was an incredible experience. But beyond the competition, it affirmed a journey - from seeking a creative refuge to becoming a confident seamstress and advocate for East African creatives and artisans. This is just the beginning of a story woven with thread, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.
Get in touch
Got a creative project brewing? Need a cheerleader in your corner? Or maybe you just want to chat about the best fabric for a superhero cape (Yes, African Batiks and sequins can work together?)
Whatever it is, drop me a line! I love connecting people who share a passion for creating and living a life full of colour.
Regards,
Comfort