Boys Sew Too
We spoke to Clive Bruder of new Sewing Community Boys Sew Too! A movement to encourage and inspire boys of all ages to sew regardless of their gender, skill, and ability. Learn about the website and instagram account @boyssewtoo and the heartwarming friendship that inspired the community.
Hi Clive, What inspired you to start Boys Sew Too?
Boys Sew Too! was born out of the shared experience for the love and passion of sewing. Many boys and men are discouraged from sewing as ‘boys don’t sew’. That was the message my husband Mark (Francis, of Sewing Bee series 6 fame) received from a teacher at school. This is something we bonded over with a fellow male sewer we had the privilege to know called Rob Dawson. He touched many lives in the sewing world and we finally got to meet on the catwalk at the Stitch Festival in London. Sadly Rob passed away very suddenly, just two weeks after that show.
Rob and myself were also told as young children ‘boys don’t sew’, eventually we both ignored them and did it anyway. It took me a long time to fulfill my sewing ambitions. The Boys Sew Too! movement was set up and dedicated to Rob so the word can be spread that boys and men really do sew.
We loved your episode of Sew Organised style, you spoke so wonderfully of Rob’s role of being enthusiastic and encouraging to other makers. Do you feel like you’ve taken on that role?
Rob was an inspirational person who always motivated others in community sewing groups. He encouraged others to do their best and he would champion your makes regardless of skill and ability.
The website and Instagram account are here to do just that. To encourage, support and spread the news that sewing is a life skill for all and that means boys too! Boys Sew Too! is a message to those out there who may feel scared or judged for wanting to sew because they’re boys. Sewing is for all. I feel a sense of duty to carry on Rob’s positive message but also to show anyone who wants to sew in any way to do so. Creativity is extremely important in promoting mental well-being too.
Tell us more about the amazing catwalk at Knitting & Stitching Show Ally Pally!
You can look forward to The Boys Sew Too Catwalk Show at 1pm on Saturday 8 October as well as a gallery display of garments made by male dressmakers.
The fashion show will be hosted by Stuart Hillard and will feature sewing celebrities including other Sewing Bee favourites, including my husband Mark Francis and good friend Adam Brooks. Make sure you visit the exhibition and the catwalk show in celebration of male sewing.
In the past it’s been a shame not to see more men at sewing events and this is a way to prove a show can be an inclusive space for male or male-identifying makers.
How can people support Boys Sew Too after the show?
Take a look at our shop – a percentage of the profits from sales of Boys Sew Too! merchandise will be paid to the Meningitis charity in honour of Rob. We have cool t-shirts and mugs. Plus, special edition rulers from another Sewing Bee alumni Jen Hogg.
Don’t forget to follow @boyssewtoo and start using the hashtag #boysSewToo to connect with other makers
INSPIRED TO SEW?
Take a look at our Men’s and Boy’s sewing patterns section.
Or you might prefer our wide range of Unisex patterns.
