Conception to Creation workshop

Who I am:

Hello - Toene here. I'm the owner of an independent children's clothing brand and shop called That's Not Fair London, based in Dalston, Hackney.

That’s Not Fair London [TNF] is a black-owned business, and I take pride in being a pillar of the community for a network of diverse children and parents alike.

The TNF shop and studio are fun places with a capital F; creative spaces that have been lovingly curated with my own hands for children first, and as a shopping experience/destination second.

Clothing is one of our most personal choices, affecting how we feel, view and in turn are viewed by the world. So I’ve deliberately kept the designs bold, with a subtle palette and no labelling, allowing the clothes to appeal to the design-conscious rather than 'designer-driven' parent.

TNF is the antithesis of today's alarming trend for disposable fashion. If we all did a little more making and less purchasing I’m convinced we’d collectively revive industry, reduce waste and recycling, whilst reigniting ‘craft’ - one child at a time.

This is why TNF has run regular, completely free, design & sewing workshops for children entitled ‘Conception to Creation’.

The creations designed and made in these small workshops have formed an inspiration for TNF collections, which are then produced in-house and sold in-store at affordable prices. We produce just 2 pieces of each size, a ‘capsule collection’, with the garment being named after the child who designed it alongside the TNF team.

What I am raising funds for:

TNF is now approaching the 4th year of classes which have previously been funded in full by the business, with no charges to parents. However, Hackney is an area that is experiencing intense gentrification and we are seeing that effect in our classrooms.

The demand for the free sewing workshops is growing, but the demographic is changing; affluence has moved in but there remains hardship and poverty in the area.

It is a priority to ensure that all children, irrespective of background, have these opportunities available to them. We do not think money should be a barrier to creativity, that is why we are passionate about giving children the chance to unlock their creative potential.

That said - We’d like to expand our sewing workshops to a summer-long programme and open it to a wider community.

This is too big an undertaking for a small business to absorb, and requires funding support.

The programme will be open to young people based in the borough of Hackney between the ages of 6 - 14yrs old.

A total of 5 one-week courses; the first commencing on the 7th August 2023, the final completing on the 11th of September 2023.

Each course will be for 15 students over a 5 day period.

The classes are to be held in our studio space; the large Sewing Room of an old school in the borough of Hackney.

In Addition to Sewing:

We have confirmed support from the following wonderful artists;

Artists will host, through their chosen mediums 'Art hour' which has been embedded into the sewing day, immediately following lunch.

Madelon is famed for her ability to create art from just about everything. Our favourite being her 'Plastic Surgery' - The manipulation of plastic bottles and containers, paper, cardboard & egg boxes.

Tallulah's medium is Oil painting. Tallulah had Sir Terrance Conrad sit for her. She produced his final portrait, completed just before he passed away.

Juju is all about movement. She founded the movement called Voga. Voga combines the breath-synchronised movement of Yoga with the expressive moves of Dance, fusing power and strength with attitude and flamboyance.

Juju will be hosting a Voga workshop daily and will have us all moving to the beat of our own creativity.

Why this is important to me:

Sewing is much more than just a practical skill; it's an avenue for self-expression and personal growth. TNF would like to give all children that opportunity, helping them develop confidence in making clothes, whilst providing them with the perfect place to experiment and explore their individuality.

TNF’s sewing class aims to do just that. By introducing children to the art of sewing, we empower them to create, design, and bring their unique ideas to life.

How the funds will be used:

This is not a fee-paying or profit-making programme.

Your support will directly decide if these courses are to continue and remain free for all children. Successful fundraising will ensure the most diverse group of children can attend, have fun collaborating and learn through making.

The funds raised will be used to cover the costs of additional 'domestic' sewing machines, fabrics, sewing/pattern-making supplies, and skilled technicians who will guide, inspire and support the children throughout the programme.

Apart from myself (with over 20 years of fashion experience), TNF’s technicians are pensioners and recently graduated London College of Fashion (LCF) students. This invaluable human resource is carefully selected on the basis of sewing skills, belief in social enterprise, and kindness with children.

All of our technicians have valid DBS checks in place - copies of which are provided within the 'Parents Information' packs.

We do have limited number of spaces remaining for Summer Sewing Camp 2023, below is a registration form.

And Thank You in advance for your support.