Taking a break from 10 years of working in education, I decided to follow my dreams and embark on a new adventure. Being encouraged to start a blog, I now give you an insight into my secret world. My friends don’t actually know what I do besides fixing things for them, and working at a college.
This blog documents my sewing and crafting projects, and a bit of everything I try to cram in on the side! This blog is about my hobbies, and I want to utilise my knowledge and skills I have gained over my lifetime. During this journey I hope to inspire, help, and create a new generation of crafters, sewers and DIYers.
I’m about to raise the bar! Lol
More about me…………………
I used to work for one of the biggest colleges in the UK. By the time you read this I would have left my job working in education, to start a family. It was hard leaving behind a job I love. This was a job position especially created for me. My job was quite unique and I like to thank the establishment for all the opportunities they have given me over the years. I work in the Fashion & Textiles department delivering courses in level 3-4 to students from age 16 and over. My specialism is in Creative Pattern Cutting, Garment Development, Construction, Production, Illustration, Sewing Techniques, Fabric Manipulation, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
My role at the college involves teaching, supporting teachers and students in lessons due to my skills and knowledge in an array of subjects. I have taught Pattern Cutting and Bridal Couture evening classes to adult learners from all backgrounds. I am also involved in Live Briefs ranging from designing invites for the college, working with Style in the City Birmingham, Photoshoots with Photographer: Faz Kashani. Meeting Illustrator: Jon Burgerman, Fashion Designer: Jacob Jimmie, and Gavin Douglas to going to fashion shows and meeting Style Bubble, and Vivienne Westwood, to HRH Prince Charles at the College Opening Event. At the college, I organise behind the scenes at the Clothes Show Live for a few years. Involved with the Pin Event, and WE Event organised by the college. I have been commissioned to make costumes for the dance department to styling the hair and make-up on models for the annual college Fashion Show.
In my spare time I work on Asian/Indian Bridal Wear, Western Evening and Bridal Wear, but due to my workload, I now only choose to do them occasionally. I am very picky at what I make. I specialised in One-Offs. In 2013 I was commissioned to make children’s costumes for the Ardman Animations: “Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!” Exhibition at the Millennium Point, Birmingham. Through recommendation I worked with Asiana Magazine summer 2013 on their short course.
Leaving this job had been a hard decision, but it is time to do my own things now. Being encouraged by fellow colleagues, students, family and friends, I have set up this blog to give them an insight into my world. I am always creative and I love making things. Especially turning something 2D to 3D is my speciality. I have always wanted to share my passion but just never had the time. For many years I have been teaching and inspiring my students. They love to take me home or even take me to uni! Unfortunately there is only one of me. Now I would like to share my skills so everybody can have a piece of Shan in their lives. Here is where my ideas become reality.
Thanks for the support guys! Shan x