Stitching Together Skills and Creativity at Textiles Club

Pupils at Priory are being encouraged to discover their creative side by joining the school's thriving Textiles Club, which runs every Tuesday after school under the leadership of Art teacher Mrs Shaw.

Open to pupils of all year groups and abilities, the club provides a welcoming environment where beginners and experienced makers alike can learn new skills, develop their creativity and produce their own textile projects. Resources are provided, making it easy for anyone to get involved.

One former member's experience perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved through commitment and determination. Last year, Year 11 pupil Hannah set herself an ambitious challenge: to design and make her own prom dress from scratch.

Having chosen a design she loved and sourced her own pattern and fabric, Hannah worked week by week with the support of Mrs Lazonby, the club's experienced sewing volunteer. Together they tackled every stage of the process, from cutting the fabric and constructing the garment to adding the finishing touches.

Mrs Lazonby guided Hannah through each step, sharing her extensive knowledge and helping her develop new sewing techniques and textile skills. Over the course of many weeks, they watched the gown gradually come to life.

As the dress neared completion, Hannah gave then-Technology teacher Mrs Lockwood and Mrs Lazonby an exclusive preview before its official debut at the Year 11 Prom. When the dress was finally revealed in July, it was a proud moment for everyone involved.

Mrs Lazonby has been volunteering with Textiles Club for the past three years. Originally becoming involved while her granddaughter attended Priory, she chose to continue volunteering after her granddaughter left so that she could pass on her passion for sewing and textiles to future generations of pupils.

Following Mrs Lockwood's departure at the end of the summer term, Mrs Shaw has taken over the running of the club and is looking forward to helping more pupils develop their confidence and creativity through textiles.

Whether pupils want to learn the basics of sewing, customise clothing or create gifts, Textiles Club offers the perfect place to get started.