FASHION STUDENT MAKES HEADBANDS FOR NUNEATON NURSES

Image caption: Nicole McCafferty with white headbands that she has made

A fashion student from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College has been putting her home sewing machine to good use during the coronavirus lockdown to create protective headbands for NHS nurses in Nuneaton.

Nicole McCafferty from Bedworth is working towards the deadlines on the first year of her Fashion & Textiles course at the college’s Hinckley Campus. Alongside her coursework, Nicole decided to start making the headbands to thank the NHS for looking after her grandad who makes regular visits to hospital in Coventry.

Nicole said, “My mum noticed that Dunelm was donating pillowcases to cut up and convert into wash bags and headbands and I realised that I would have enough fabric and kit to be able do something similar from home. I am lucky to have my own sewing machine and over locker, so I set to work making headbands which I plan to donate to the George Eliot hospital in Nuneaton.”

Fashion enthusiast Nicole says that her passion comes from a childhood love of sewing. She said, “I got my first sewing machine when I was 11. I think sewing is in the blood because my nan used to work in a garment factory. As part of my coursework, I am working on a dress project. My college tutor Jo Hall is working through the pattern with me remotely. I send pictures to her by email and she replies with comments. I am now writing up the supporting documents including the instructions and evaluation. I love making dresses best of all and my project is based on a contemporary theme of ‘active city’, so my new design is similar to a hoodie dress.

“Once I have completed my college qualification, I plan to study fashion at university and am considering a career in the bridal industry because I love dresses so much!”

NWSLC’s Hinckley Campus is currently closed but its Nuneaton Campus remains partially open to support the children of keyworkers, those with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), students in local authority care, and other students that are known to be vulnerable.

Other students are being supported to continue their learning online, and the college continues to take applications for courses starting in September 2020. The college is running a virtual open event on its website on 6 May. Visitors will be able get access to virtual campus tours, live chat with tutors and subject presentations.

Carrie-Anne Abdulai, Director for HE and Access to HE Provision at NWSLC, said, “It is great to hear that Nicole is able to use her fashion skills to make such useful items for the NHS. I am also pleased to hear that she is not allowing the current lockdown to prevent her from getting on well with her college work. Anyone who is interested in starting a fashion course next year can take a look at the facilities at our Hinckley Campus and speak to tutors at our virtual open event on 6 May.”

Click here to register for the virtual open event.