#MadeToday Profile: Ryan N

If you’ve been to The Edge during Open lab this year you might’ve seen Ryan (he/him) setting himself up in the sewing bay working on project after project since he completed The Edge’s sewing induction. A fastidious self-motivated learner, Ryan has become a regular Open lab attendee, garnering admiration and inspiration from many of The Edge patrons who utilise the sewing resources.

Ryan has also been coming along to our free meet up sewing session, Threads at The Edge, 2 pm - 7:30 pm every third Wednesday of the month, booking details below. 

Having only completed The Edge sewing induction last November, Ryan’s first ambitious project was to make a button up collared shirt for himself, a fearless leap from the humble tote bag which is part of learning to sew and construct in the induction.  

His only previous experience was attending home economics in high school, where he made a hand stitched felted phone case amongst the many lessons of cooking! Having being diagnosed and beaten cancer, he befriended many people in similar circumstance, in particular one close person who passed away from their illness which he made commemorative maroon coloured scrunchies as keepsakes for their friends and family. 

We sat down with Ryan to ask a few questions about his time at The Edge, his sewing passions and what is in his creative future. 

How did you discover The Edge and the Sewing Induction? 

I don’t quite remember how I came about finding this workshop. I used the main library more then I came to The Edge which I initially discovered because of the Recording Studio as I am a band kid through and through, but the Sewing Induction caught my eye. 

What led to trying your hand at sewing?  

I guess it was always at the back of my mind. I’m fascinated with how clothes are made, their construction and figuring out how things work. Also, at the time I didn’t have a sewing machine. 

So, tell us about your first creation we all affectionately dubbed ‘the Bluey shirt’?

When I first saw the fabric, I thought I must make something out of this fabric; using an Aussie icon for the Aussie sun. I found a Simplicity pattern of a button up shirt from Spotlight, and it was a good pairing.  

I did have some frustrations following the pattern due to the nature of how the pattern was laid out, it was a bit of a headache honestly, but I believe the shirt turned out well and I’m happy with the result. Tackling this pattern for a first actual project might have been a little bit ambitious but it was amusing to do! 

Sewing Drop In at Open Lab

Drop by Open lab on the third Wednesday of each month from 2.30 - 7.30 pm for Threads at The Edge and utilise the expertise of our specialist fashion facilitator, Jim Eng. A great chance to extend your skillset after undertaking our sewing induction, you can get support with the sewing machines, pattern making and general fashion fabrication.