Fashion Rebellion is an online eco sewing programme for 8-16’s which can be run independently in  schools without the need for an expert sewing teacher & is made to broaden & enrich the curriculum. 

The programme recently completed a hugely successful 14 week trial at Princess Frederica Primary school in  Kensal Rise, London. The trial was for 20 children (10 per session) aged 8-12 years and has now been  adopted & extended to 3 days a week as an after school club. 

School needlework lessons of old were typically something to be avoided. Laborious methods without  technical support and devoid of much creativity certainly didn’t captivate and inspire students, in fact it  usually did the opposite.  

But that’s now changed….I am a professional fashion designer, maker & teacher & I have created Fashion  Rebellion so that complete beginners aged 8-16 years can learn how to use a sewing machine competently &  without frustration or the need for expert in-house tuition.  

Fashion Rebellion is an online course delivered via pre-recorded video. Each video is timed and formatted for  complete beginners with prompts, pauses & reminders. Each student works from a device with headphones  in front of a sewing machine. This means that it’s possible to have 10 (or more) children on machines in a  session. It is then possible to run the sessions without an expert sewing tutor present. The videos explain  everything clearly, with close-ups, repetition & slow motion. 

The course is based on my successful weekly after school sessions for 8-16’s (The Fashion Factory) running  during term time since 2009, created as a response to the environmental crises caused by Fast Fashion and  because this vast, creative & technical subject has never been taught well in schools. Children are learning  about more sustainable ways of living and upcycling fashion thankfully is now trending. Sewing also provides  mental health benefits and a creative outlet. It’s important that children learn to use their hands well, they are  our tools for life and scrolling is not enough to develop dexterity and hand-strength.  

Because of my Design background all of the pieces we create on the course are based on the latest, trend led looks adaptable to the makers preferences. We start with basics and progress to accessories and then  fashion. Intermittent technical drills can be repeated as often as needed until understanding is reached.  There’s an Eco info zone for learning & discussion. A repair it zone for mending techniques. A gallery of  students work for inspiration. New workshop videos are added every month so there’s always plenty to be  inspired by. 

Setting up costs are minimal and once it’s under way it can make a lot of money for the school if the sessions  are chargeable. All details for a simple set up are provided, what you’ll need and where to get it at the best  price. An inclusive training zone is provided and I will personally mentor session leaders on the basics if  required, how to thread up the machines & oversee sessions at your school. Very little more is needed as it’s  all in the videos. Ongoing email and phone support thereafter is included. After set up running costs are  negligible. 

For early adopters….I am offering the first 20 Schools to sign up an ultra low debut price to join Fashion  Rebellion. You can make good profits for the school and teach your students some fun & future-proof life  skills or prepare them for a creative career by running the programme. It can can be run during or after school  and in holiday times too, as often as you wish. It’s completely flexible and it’s easy for students to jump in &  join at any time, no need to stick to any timetables.  

I hope my programme will inspire, empower and prepare young people for future challenges through the joy  of learning, creativity & self expression. 

Amanda Riley 

Founder, Designer, Teacher

Requirements for running a fashion rebellion school club  

- A light & spacious room with lots of desk space and plenty of sockets/extension cables - Good Wi-Fi signal that reaches all parts of the room 

- A cupboard for storing fabric, haberdashery, ironing board etc 

- Several bins for donated textiles, details are in the school set up pack 

- A group leader for each session. No previous experience needed, just enthusiasm to learn the basics 

Fashion Rebellion School Programme  

maximum set up costs for 10 students per session  

10 x BASIC Janome 219s sewing machines (or similar) @ £129 each  OR Any basic second-hand model sewing machine (Ebay). It may need a service (contact a local service  provider) a service is £45-£60 per machine.  AVOID mini, petite or toy machines or machines with digital LED display.

1. Max MACHINE COSTS - £1290

10 x iPads (including IPad Air, apple iPad air 2, apple iPad Air mini 9.7”) Running software version iOS 12 or later - average cost on eBay £60-£70 Or Android tablet running 8.0 or later for streaming Vimeo (see Vimeo requirement below.
* Cracked screens or chips are ok as tempered glass screen protectors can be added on top

2. TECH - £700

3. HEADPHONES - Amazon 10 pack £17

4. IRON & IRONING BOARD £45

5. HABERDASHERY maximum £100

6. CHARGER & CABLES £14

7. STICKERS £35

TOTAL MAXIMUM SET UP COST £2200

(Including set up for term 1)

* Followed by a maximum spend of £50 per term

A group leader training day, schools set up details & requirements are included plus ongoing email & phone support.
www.FashionRebellion.co.uk