82 AUTHOR BIO Clive Bruder is the founder of Boys Sew Too and WeSewToo. His passion for sewing began when he was 10 years old and it was time with his mum that he will always treasure. Today, he loves to design and create his own clothes and express himself through the fashion he wears. Clive is a sewer, designer, educator and diversity advocate with the main goal of making the sewing industry more inclusive and representative of the diversity we see in the world around us. always, breed more creativity which can only be a positive thing in a community of creative sewers. Creativity in whatever form should be celebrated. Thankfully we have and are continuing to make changes and the vast majority of people are embracing everyone’s uniqueness and celebrating diversity in our spaces. The role of independent businesses While the sewing community has seen a surge in commercial sewing patterns and supplies, there remains a significant gap in catering to the specific needs and preferences of men and boys. Independent businesses have a unique opportunity to fill this void by offering sewing patterns, fabrics, and resources that cater specifically to the male demographic. By recognising and addressing the distinct interests and design preferences of men and boys, these businesses can create a more inclusive and welcoming space for all individuals within the sewing community. This is changing very slowly but it also needs more attention. I’m noticing a shift in the sewing pattern world, such as sewing patterns for wheelchair users etc. but working to expand this is key. So many times, I’ve had guys telling me that there isn’t enough variety on the male market. I myself try to change this by offering something different and neutral. Men don’t always want to make ‘just a shirt’ or a pair of generic trousers. They want something different and I feel it’s the responsibility of small businesses to change this. This may appear as a risk financially, as we all know that producing such items can be quite costly, however I would challenge you to see this as a way of expanding your business and increasing your income with a more diverse customer base. I do feel it is the responsibility to at least try and design something new and different for home sewists. My advice to small businesses that are maybe tentative about making this step? Start with something small to test the market. Trust me it’s there! Supporting diversity: Going beyond gender Gender diversity within the sewing community extends beyond men and boys. It’s essential to create an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals from different cultures, different ethnicities and races, disabled and neurodivergent folk, LGBTQIA+ people alongside other minority communities. By acknowledging and accommodating the challenges these groups have, the sewing community can foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities for personal growth and creative expression. There are so many people I’ve met who don’t feel like their voice is being heard and WeSewToo and BoysSewToo are here to change that and lead the way in creating diverse, inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone. Promoting education & awareness To encourage gender diversity in the sewing community, it is crucial to promote education and awareness about the benefits of inclusivity. Workshops, classes, and online platforms can play a significant role in providing accessible and supportive spaces for individuals to learn and engage in sewing and crafting activities. Raising awareness about the importance of gender diversity within the sewing community will help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. True diversity means us all coming together to learn, welcome and create active inclusion in our community. It’s hard for people to open themselves up in this way but if we want a more creative, inclusive and welcoming sewing space we have to respect everyone for their voice and opinions on all matters. It doesn’t mean we get everything right all the time or know all of the answers but we can always strive to learn, grow and make a difference together. ICHF, who organise the Sewing for Pleasure at the NEC, had changed their whole marketing campaign around the introduction of the Proud Lounge at their exhibition. This made me extremely proud and thankful in the knowledge that what WeSewToo, BoysSewToo and others are doing has made a change. I’m only one individual, think about what we could do if we all stood together! It would be insane. Small victories are the best victories and we must remember that we all have a voice and we all deserve to feel included and valued. The sewing community has the power to break free from gender stereotypes and embrace diversity and inclusivity. Encouraging more men and boys as well as other minority groups to participate in the craft and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds will not only enrich our community but also foster a sense of empowerment and creativity. Independent businesses have a crucial role to play in catering to the specific needs and preferences of diverse individuals within the sewing community. Through diversity and inclusivity, we can create a vibrant and thriving sewing community that celebrates the creativity and talent of all individuals, regardless of gender or background. Let us sew the seeds of change and build a more inclusive future for the sewing community. If you’d like to get involved or sponsor a particular project, please head on over to: www.wesewtoo.com and get in touch. Or if you want to be part of an upcoming event yourselves and have your say come on board, we welcome you with open arms.
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