“I have had an affinity for creation since a very young age. I started learning to knit and crochet in elementary school, using pencils and scrap yarn, knitting away in the back of the classroom. My aunt got my first crochet hook, knitting needles, and looms for Christmas after I visited and told her about my new endeavors. Concurrently, I began hand sewing, making little bows for my friends and family. Then, in 2011, my mom bought me my first Lil’ Sew and Sew lightweight sewing machine. My first project using that machine was a butterfly print circle skirt made from an old pillowcase. My mom’s family friend was an established Nigerian tailor. One of the days my mom went for a dress fitting, she brought me along to see the process, and that sparked the discussion of my dream to be a tailor. A little while later, she surprised me with her old Singer sewing machine and tools such as scissors, sewing chalk, thread, needles, etc. I used that machine to learn how to do basic alterations. The machine lasted for a short time, and for my birthday in 2016, I received my very own Limited Edition Brother Project Runway Sewing machine. With this sewing machine, I was able to truly engross myself in the art of fashion, letting my ideas bloom with every stitch. My time with this machine has been trial and error, learning about pattern making, textiles, and fabric, and seeing how far I can take my imagination. I have made birthday outfits for my friends, collections for my modeling team, graduation event dresses, tapestry apparel, and more. 

And that is the machine I own to this day. So many memories and so much progress!” - Patience O.