Sonia Fernandez Stitching Academy Blog
12-09-2013
Although at the time was working part-time, I was constantly looking for a retail-based or more creative positions in the field of fashion. However, it was summer – the time of the year where jobs are pretty much taken and the only and automated advice one could get from store managers was to apply online. I had experience working in retail but it seemed to no longer be enough, so I decided to take the initiative. Therefore I joined a few Fashion job sites and when I revisited FashionCapital.co.uk after a long time and I found The Factory section which advertised the course.
After receiving information about the course, I thought it was not relevant for my career progression. I was initially hoping to find courses that were more focused on design. However, Shanice, one of Fashion Enter’s apprentices, encouraged me to attend and gave me advice. She told me that as a designer it would be easier for me to convey my design to someone else if I knew the basic principles of garment construction and stitching. Now, I could not agree more.
I guess my hesitation for applying lay in the fear most people face when having to learn something new. On the one hand, I was very excited because the course I would get me a step closer to my dreamm but on the other hand I was scared I could not perform to their standards, a realization I could not bear. Nevertheless, I pulled myself together and I went to the Factory. Leyla Mehmet, the teacher, greeted me and rushed me into starting as soon as possible.
I had done some basic stitching in the past but nothing close to using industrial machines. Surprisingly I felt confident from the very first moment I sat in front of the flat bed machine. Thanks to Leyla’s guidance and support I achieved a level of confidence I never thought I could have. It was great having such an experienced tutor who would not only challenge me but also motivate me to improve and to go beyond my limitations and fears.
In six weeks we learned to use a flat bed machine, different overlocking machines, the cover stitch machine, a button hole machine and blind stitch machine. We were also trained on the maintenance of the machines; tracing and cutting patterns; constructing a garment and inspecting a finished product. Moreover, great importance was given to following the correct health and safety procedures in the workplace. In short, we were trained so that we could start working straight after the course.
When the course reached its end, Jenny Holloway and Leyla helped us to create eye-catching portfolios that I am certain will get us noticed by prospective employees and colleges. Also, we were given the opportunity to visit ASOS headquarters. I was very impressed by their facilities, the effectiveness of their logistics and most of all inspired by the lectures and seminars we attended. Some of my peers were offered an apprenticeship with them. Even though, I could no longer apply for their apprenticeships, I was encouraged to join them for work experience. We also met the founder of ReworksUK, a company I hope to work for in the future.
My advice for people wishing to attend the academy would be to clearly understand their motivation behind their decision to apply. My desire for improvement and achievement took me forward to the extent I cannot recall being so focused on something. I discovered the level a self-realisation and satisfaction obtainable only by those who love their job. Furthermore, knowing the course would take me a step closer to my dream job motivated me every day.
I would like to thank Jenny for this incredible opportunity and Leyla for the patience and the expertise she shared so generously with us.
Sonia Fernandez
