Sewing has always been something I’ve loved. My mum taught me, and even though I needed extra time and repeated explanations, she never made me feel rushed. I carry a mix of things that shape how I sew: autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, left‑handedness, and a squint. Together, they affect how I see the fabric, how…
Image Credit: Claudio Schwarz via Unsplash When I first learned that the earliest sewing machines were made left-handed, I was genuinely struck by this fascinating detail. For a tool that is so widely used and would go on to revolutionise the clothing and textile industry worldwide, the idea that its initial design might have unintentionally…
Image Credit: Mika Baumeister via Unsplash Being left-handed in a world designed for right-handed people often means making constant adjustments—sometimes without even realising it. Many left-handed individuals find themselves feeling they need to compensate by using their right hand for certain tasks, either because they were taught to do so from a young age or…
Image Credit: Mojor Zhu via Unsplash Sewing is an art that requires precision, patience, and fine motor skills. While many focus on the stitching process, one of the most challenging aspects of sewing is cutting fabric accurately. For those who are left-handed, have dyslexia, or dyspraxia, this fundamental step can present additional hurdles that often…
Growing up in Britain in the 1980s and ’90s, being left-handed wasn’t always embraced. In classrooms across the country, children were often gently (or not-so-gently) nudged towards switching hands — to write “properly,” to hold cutlery “correctly,” or to fit into a system that didn’t quite fit them. The Subtle Pressures We Remember These weren’t…
Reflections on handedness, grip, and the quiet rebellion of adapting tools and spaces. Being left-handed isn’t just about which hand holds the pen—it’s a daily exercise in adaptation. From the moment you pick up a pair of scissors clearly designed for someone else, you learn to negotiate with a world built for right-handed norms. Early…
From superstition and stigma to celebration and skill Left-handedness has long carried cultural weight—far beyond which hand holds the pen. For centuries, it’s been viewed with suspicion, framed as a weakness, or romanticised as a mark of creativity and talent. Clean vs. Unclean in Ancient Cultures In many ancient societies, hands were not equal. In…