A Dundee mum who helped shape an innovative clothes-making qualification is now supporting the next generation of young learners to follow in her footsteps.
Chelsie, mum to 12-year-old Brooke, was among the first to graduate from the SQA-accredited Kindred Clothing Award (Garment Construction) in 2021. Now, she is playing a key role in assessing a group of eight pupils from Rosebank Primary School – including her daughter – as they work towards achieving the same qualification.
Marking the first time the Kindred Clothing course has been taught in a primary school, Chelsie is joined by fellow assessor and Kindred Clothing graduate Courtney Keddie. Sessions are led by Megan McKay, founder of Little Peril Studios, with support from Amy Deans of Front Lounge, also a graduate.
Since launching in 2020, almost 80 learners aged between 12 and 64 have completed the qualification. The course was originally inspired by a group of young parents supported by Front Lounge, including Chelsie, who is now a Trustee of the charity. Her journey began when she attended the organisation’s Bringing Up Baby group with Brooke as a baby, playing a pivotal role in shaping what the course would become.
The children, from primaries five, six and seven, are learning to draft patterns, sew garments and create a lounge top, t-shirt or t-shirt dress, and dungarees. They are also keeping journals to document their progress and, on completion, will present their creations and experiences to teachers, friends and family.
Chelsie said,“It’s amazing to think I started the qualification when Brooke had just begun primary school, and now she and her classmates are working towards the same award. I’m so proud that my daughter is following in my footsteps! Kindred Clothing is about so much more than sewing – it builds confidence, friendships and a real sense of achievement. For me, it opened doors and showed me what I was capable of, and that’s what I hope these young people take from it too. It’s also a fun, hands-on way to learn new skills. Having been through it myself, I’m incredibly proud to now be part of their journey.”
Chika Inatimi, Project Leader at Front Lounge, added,“As we mark 25 years as a charity, it’s vital that we continue to involve and invest in the children growing up around us. Chelsie’s journey truly reflects what Front Lounge is about: long-term support, shared experiences and building strong community connections, and we need to replicate this sort of engagement, because it works!
“This programme gives young people focus, creativity and a sense of purpose at a crucial stage in their lives. Time and again, we see how celebrating achievement can transform confidence and open up new opportunities. I’d like to thank Head Teacher Jennifer Heffel and the parents of the other seven children for agreeing to take part in this pilot. If we can create that impact earlier, in a fun and engaging way, it can make a lasting difference.”
The Kindred Course is open to all schools and community groups, as well as individuals seeking a fresh focus. For further information, email hello@frontlounge.org or visit www.frontlounge.org
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