Pupils help launch Wool Week 2018

They took part in a series of workshops to start the event, which is part of the annual Campaign for Wool, which runs until October 21.

Staff from the Future Textiles programme at Dumfries House ran the skills masterclasses, which were enjoyed by the pupils.

Charlie Donald, 14, said: “When I leave school, I want to become a home economics teacher and a maker as I love the idea of being able to create things you have designed.

“At Dumfries House, we got to learn new skills such as cutting, and sewing decorative ruffles and shapes onto our cushions. We’ll use these skills back at school towards our coursework.”

Cumnock Academy is one of several secondary schools that have reinstated fashion and textiles into the curriculum for S4 pupils.

Home economics teacher Ashleigh Conboy, who accompanied the pupils during their visit, said: “Participating in a Future Textiles workshop was an excellent way for our pupils to launch Wool Week 2018 while developing their practical sewing skills.

“Prior to taking part in the workshop, the majority of the pupils had only very basic sewing skills and many of them had never used a sewing machine before.

“I was amazed to see how focused the pupils were and how well their skills developed in a matter of hours. During the workshop, the pupils learned about where wool comes from and had the chance to work with cashmere while designing and constructing their own cushions.”

Karen McFarlane, who helps run Dumfries House Future Textiles, explained the benefit to pupils.

She said: “We wanted to give local school pupils the opportunity to work with cashmere. we felt it was important to give school pupils the chance to learn how working with wool differs from working with synthetic materials. In the workshop, pupils from Cumnock Academy learned how to handle cashmere and constructed their cushions with time to spare.”