While the class of 2020 weren’t able to have the graduation we had all hoped for at the end of our course, we were lucky enough to have a Zoom graduation with our peers and tutors. A look back over the last 3 years and a celebration of all our achievements. We were still very much looking forward to the time we could be reunited and walk across the stage wearing cap and gown.
As I mentioned in one of my previous blog posts, I wanted to volunteer my time and skills to help community projects to make scrubs, laundry bags and face coverings. While I was involved with this volunteering, I created a range of promotional materials, including business cards and a website to spread the word about my services and begin building up customers. I received a number of alterations from people I had met through the community scrub making projects which kept me busy while other work was on hold. These varied from tailored jackets, velvet dresses/tops and summer dresses to business attire, evening dresses and soft furnishings. I also had a number of hand embroidered hoops commissioned as Christmas gifts for loved ones, which are always lovely to do.
Later on in the year I decided to help my mum set up a website, social media pages and an Etsy shop for us to sell a range of our handmade gifts. We designed a logo and created some new business cards to send out with each order. Unfortunately, the exhibitions and fairs that she would normally sell at were cancelled so I wanted to help her move to online platforms that can be run alongside going to events in person. Managing the Etsy shop together has been a real joy and is great to have another outlet for creativity as well as my dressmaking and alteration commissions.
Feel free to have a look at our handmade gifts including textile artwork and embroidery, knitted and crochet accessories, felt jewellery and greeting cards by clicking any of the links below.
Website: www.wendyjanedesigns.co.uk
Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/WendyJaneDesignsShop
Instagram: www.instagram.com/wendyjane.designs
Towards the end of 2020, film and TV work started to slowly pick up again which was exciting. I assisted costume embroiderer Cathryn Avison on various different series/films doing hand embroidery, goldwork and beading. I also assisted costume maker, Emma Jealouse with making various theatre costumes. It was brilliant to be able to work on a range of film, TV and theatre costumes after everything was put on hold during the pandemic. It felt like a big glimmer of hope for the arts industry.
After working for Cathryn and Emma until the end of March, I then got a job as a trainee costume maker on an Amazon series which was really exciting! My first position in the workroom on a series and I’ve learnt so much!
As July 2021 approached, we were all very excited to attend our postponed graduation in Bournemouth. And what a lovely reunion it was!
Going forward I plan to continue freelancing with costume makers and embroiderers for film, TV and theatre, while keeping up my own dressmaking commissions and the Etsy shop alongside this.