At Leweston, Art and Design is a popular subject choice, with many students studying some form of creative discipline at GCSE and A Level. Our Art and Design department offers the opportunity for pupils to explore textiles, fashion, photography, graphic and fine art, ceramics and 3D Design. Even our Prep pupils can often be found at the sewing machine learning a skill which will see them through life, proving helpful in many ways, even after school.
Learning sewing and stitching allows you to unleash your creativity and imagination. You have the freedom to design and create unique garments, accessories, and home décor items. Whether you want to express your personal style or bring your creative ideas to life, sewing provides a platform for endless possibilities. By selecting your preferred fabrics, hues, and designs, you have the power to personalise your masterpieces and exhibit your unique style and personality.
One of the significant advantages of learning sewing and stitching is the ability to save money by creating your own clothes. Instead of buying expensive ready-to-wear garments, you can make high-quality clothing at a fraction of the cost.
With sewing skills, you can sew garments that fit you perfectly and flatter your body shape. This eliminates the need for costly alterations and ensures that every piece of clothing you make is tailored to your measurements.
Sewing skills also enable you to repair and alter clothing with ease. Instead of discarding garments with minor damages or ill-fitting clothes, you can fix them yourself and extend their lifespan.
Whether it's replacing a missing button, fixing a small tear, or adjusting the hem length, sewing allows you to make simple repairs and alterations without relying on professional tailors. This not only saves you money but also reduces waste by promoting a sustainable approach to fashion.
In today's world, where sustainability is crucial, sewing can help you develop a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. By creating your own clothes, you have control over the materials used, reducing the reliance on fast fashion and its harmful environmental impact.
Sewing allows you to choose organic, ethically sourced, and sustainable fabrics, minimising the carbon footprint associated with the fashion industry.
Sewing requires problem-solving and attention to detail, which are valuable skills applicable in various aspects of life. From understanding patterns and following instructions to troubleshooting sewing machine issues, sewing cultivates patience, perseverance, and problem-solving abilities.
Attention to detail is crucial in sewing, as even a small mistake can affect the overall quality of the garment. By practicing precision and careful craftsmanship, you develop a keen eye for detail and enhance your ability to notice and correct errors in other areas of life.
Furthermore, sewing teaches you to plan and organise your projects, manage your time effectively, and develop patience, all of which are transferable skills that can benefit you in other hobbies, professions, and everyday life.
Contrary to traditional opinion, all of the above applies equally, to everyone. All of our pupils in the Prep School and Years 7 to 9 have textile lessons and GCSE and A Level Textiles are a popular choice.
For more information about Art and Design at Leweston contact the Registrar June Smith on 01963 211015 or admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk