I participated in a summer internship with Behind the Curtain in London. They operate a high-end small interior design company that makes specialised curtains, shades, blinds and soft furnishings. They work with high-end designer fabrics, and I learned a lot about which fabrics and textiles are best for each project. My ability to use my practical skills was enhanced as I acquired sewing abilities. Additionally, I received training on how to operate the overlockers and industrial sewing machines and over the course of the summer I improved my skills and gained more confidence when using each machine. This internship gave me a great opportunity to gain real world work experience as I took part in live projects which involved clients. I got to experience going to clients and potential clients’ homes to help create quotes for projects and install curtains, shades, blinds and soft furnishings.
I learned how to create bags with my sewing skills, and currently I am in the process of setting up my own small business called ‘Composure Collective’ which is a collaboration with Behind the Curtain as I will be using deadstock fabric that is left over from projects. This creates more sustainable bags as the fabric has been saved from landfill it also creates one of a kind bags as there is limited amounts of fabrics so limited amounts of bags can be made.
