Joana Monteiro is a Camden resident and PhD student at the London College of Fashion. She runs Journey to making your own garments, community workshops at Edith Neville Primary School in Somers Town, where women learn to make garments and accessories.
The workshops empower women to unlock their creativity through designing and making together as a group – helping them to form new friendships and grow in confidence.
We spoke to Joana to find out more.
What inspired you to start the workshops?
“I’m passionate about garment making and its potential to improve people’s lives. The workshops give participants the tools to take ownership of the whole garment design and making process from start to finish – including designing through draping, patternmaking, choosing fabrics and sewing.”
“Through making together, women support each other, feel more confident and empowered to be creative.”
What do the participants learn at the workshops?
“I run two sets of workshops, one for beginners and a participant-led one for more advanced makers. The courses run across eight weeks, and both teach design techniques, patternmaking and garment construction methods.
“The idea is that as time goes on, the women feel more confident, need less instructions and can help each other.”
“Through making together, women support each other, feel more confident and empowered to be creative.”
Joana, garment making tutor
What are your highlights from the workshops?
“I love running them! My biggest highlight is when participants tell me that they’re not designers and then realise that they can create unique designs that express their individuality.
“Everyone’s a designer, sometimes we just need help to bring out our creativity.”
“We’re trying to organise an exhibition and event to show how creative the women are. I cannot wait! Sharing their achievements with the community will make a big difference to them.”
We Make Camden Kit
This project contributes to the Sustainable Estates and Neighbourhoods Mission and is supported by the We Make Camden Kit.
If you have a community project you’d like to bring to life or expand, the We Make Camden Kit could help you too. Find out more here
