When I first learned that the earliest sewing machines were made left-handed, I was genuinely struck by this fascinating detail. For a tool that is so widely used and would go on to revolutionise the clothing and textile industry worldwide, the idea that its initial design might have unintentionally favoured left-handed users caught my imagination.… Read More The Left-Handed Origins of the Sewing Machine: A Surprising Tale
Sewing is often celebrated as a soothing and rewarding hobby, but for someone with dyslexia, it can present unique challenges that go beyond the usual frustrations of stitching and seam ripping. Recently, I decided to take on a seemingly simple project: sewing a zipped pouch. Despite my enthusiasm, the process didn’t go as planned. The… Read More The Trials and Triumphs of Sewing with Dyslexia: My Zipped Pouch Journey
Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Confidence Machine sewing is a rewarding activity that combines creativity and technical skill, but it can also be complex, especially when it comes to following instructions. For individuals with dyslexia, this process of understanding and remembering sewing instructions can be particularly challenging. Dyslexia affects how people process language and remember sequences,… Read More Creating a Strategy with Dyslexia: Successfully Following Instructions for Machine Sewing
Sewing has always fascinated me, despite the challenges that come with it. I have a few unique hurdles that make machine sewing an adventure of its own: I’m left-handed, I have dyslexia, dyspraxia, and a slight squint. All of these factors affect my coordination, spatial perception, and fine motor skills, which can make even the… Read More Navigating Sewing with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and Left-Handedness: A Journey of Patience and Perseverance
Rachel Bakewell 