Words by Laura Giannini & Photos by Natalie MacDonald
The Vale of Leven has a rich heritage in textiles.
Unsurprising then that WDC Adult Learning, in collaboration with West College Scotland ran an excellent course dealing with textile design, creation and manufacture.
This group, which met weekly in Alexandria Library, was directed by Chloe Patience,* known for her elaborate sequin work for stage costumes and her amazing 3D embroidery.
It dealt with all the many aspects of textile crafts – from dressmaking to quilting, from sewing cushions to elaborate embroidery.
Participants ranged from students looking to acquire SQA points to carers looking for escape from isolation, to mums who want to create something unique and personal for their children;
from the absolute beginner to the skilled amateur, including some crafty gents.
Supportive Group
One lady, Nancy Gillies, an early course attendee, now skilled enough to produce a lovely winter coat said: “I started with the course looking for a way into work.. It’s hard when you’ve been out of work, your self-confidence is really low.
“Getting SQA points with such a supportive group really helped. I’m back working now but I still come to the classes whenever possible.”
Another member, Yvonne Clark brought her daughter along; she used the SQA points to access a college course which will give her a new career.
Given this premise of success and excellence, it is astounding that, at the end of the summer session, the course was cancelled in line with funding cuts at West College Scotland.
Natalie MacDonald, another participant, told me: “There was no way we could accept closure. Our group is solid, very supportive, has always been well attended.
“We decided to petition against the closure of our beloved course.”
Natalie, Yvonne and other group members started an impassioned campaign. They wrote, visited, spoke to those responsible in the various organisations involved.
They showed how the course provided intensely important services: practical skills, confidence building, mental health support, dissipation of isolation.
They also pointed out less evident skills developed within the group as the sessions offered a non-intimidating environment in which to learn maths and numeracy skills.
Natalie explained: “Perhaps the decision-makers did not realise that geometry is a fundamental component of pattern making (for dressmaking) and shape-cutting and planning repeat
patterns (for quilting).
“Maths is also necessary to work out how much material will be needed for a specific project. It is maths brought into the everyday, so it isn’t as scary as sitting down facing classically presented numeracy problems.
“Participant literacy also improved by explaining, describing and writing-up individual projects. So, skills and know-how could be gained without stress.”
Save the Day
Laura Anderson, WDC’s Adult Learning Development Officer had a brainwave that saved the day – to emphasise the value of the course in improving numeracy.
While the College is no longer involved WDC Adult Learning Working4U was able to raise funds through UKSP Multiply.
A new course, now called Stitch in Time – Textiles with Maths started at the end of August.
All in all, this is a positive story of how a group was able to fight against closure.
It also highlights how very important Adult Education is and how strongly those who attend groups feel about their classes.
In this climate of funding cuts it is essential that such highly valued services prevail and continue.
Anyone interested in any of the Adult Education community courses can contact Working4U Adult Learning & Literacy team by emailing
cl*@we************.uk
or call 01389 738775.
* www.chloepatience.com