Kandyce Hudson
Made By Me Academy, at 831 Ashland Terr., opened in summer 2019 and is owned and operated by Kandyce Hudson. She said it "is a space where people ages 12 and up can embrace creativity through fashion design."
Students will gain experience working within sewing stations complete with standard home sewing machines for projects of all types. Each course is designed to help participants become familiar with sewing tools and techniques.
Ms. Hudson, a Huntsville, Ala., native, said her passion for the craft all started with a stitch. Growing up wearing second-hand clothing, she wanted to make her hand-me-down wardrobe her own.
“I was always looking for more ways to make my clothing more fashionable,” Ms. Hudson said, tracing her first few stitches to her 7th grade home economics class. “I realized that if I learned how to sew, I could wear my own new designs instead of trying to refashion something used.”
She studied at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., graduating with a degree in textiles and apparel. After working in the fashion and formal wear industry, Ms. Hudson pursued a dressmaking business of her own.
According to Ms. Hudson, sewing is also applicable in STEM and STEAM educational pathways.
“You may not realize it, but choosing a pattern, taking measurements, operating a sewing machine, and even sewing by hand are all engaging parts of the technical brain,” she said. “The consistent practice of sewing helps build tactile skills like math, spatial cognition and hand-eye coordination. It also helps stimulate cognitive skills like critical thinking, problem solving, organization and focus.”
While some view the world of fashion through the lens of glitz, glamour and the entertainment industry, Ms. Hudson said she wants to shine a light on the skilled professionals who are committed to using their craft as a force for change.
“There are many fashion designers who are mindful, conscientious and want to use their creative powers for good,” she said. “They tackle concerns such as creating clothing that’s accessible to low-income shoppers. They introduce new values and images to help affirm people of all skin colors and body types. They explore new, innovative ways to recycle fabrics that would have otherwise found their way to the landfill.”
Ms. Hudson opened Made By Me Academy and said the studio projects will focus on sewing techniques that are specific to clothing, costume and fashion design.
Preregistration is required for all courses. Visit www.madebymeacademy.com for times, dates and class descriptions, and to sign up.
For more information about Made By Me Academy, visit www.madebymeacademy.com or call (615) 601-1550.
Summer students, Lauren and Vivian Brockman