Every week from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the University of Denver’s Fashion and Sewing Club meets to collaborate and create.
Located in Daniels College of Business room 147, this group of inspiring individuals comes together to share ideas and innovate new projects. Fashion and Sewing Club ranges from knitting and stitching clothing items to using recycled materials to add flair to original designs.
The idea for the club first came to an entrepreneurship student with a passion for upcycling. Their idea blossomed into a business approach by creating original pieces and welcoming others to do the same. Since then, the club has seamlessly stitched itself together with students who share the same love for innovation, creation and community.
Fashion and Sewing Club was located in “The Garage” on Asbury street in past years, known as a hub for entrepreneurship and artistry. This year, the workshop for innovation has migrated to the first floor of Daniels College of Business. This move was centered around creating a more welcoming environment for all students.
Club members come together from various majors, all sharing a love for artistic expression. On some days the club expands from their compact studio and into what used to be the grad lounge in Daniels. The lounge is now used for all forms of craftsmanship with a new media studio centered around sales leadership, entrepreneurship and franchising.
The strongest seams are those who make up the board of the club, sharing leadership roles and solving problems in order to keep things running smoothly. The board is made up of devoted students who have been active members for the majority of their time at DU. They aim to foster a welcoming circle where new members feel included and can advance their skills or learn from scratch.
“Our mission is creating a positive environment for people to learn and gain new skills with a focus on upcycling and sustainability… the opportunity to learn something new is always present,” said Alex Eunbanks, vice president of the club.
Eunbanks was inspired freshman year by a crochet project that led them to want to learn more about sustainable designs. After a friend introduced them to the warm-hearted environment of the club they began expanding their skills.
Inspired by the studio where scraps become statements, members have the ability to make whatever they please, from Halloween costumes and blankets, to coin purses and jerseys for their DU club sports teams. While the club has a set meeting time, members are able to get certified to use the sewing machines at any hour of the day.
This club is a vibrant collection of style and skill that members fit into their busy lives. Most students are involved in a variety of other activities and classes but have described the club as a place for crafted relaxation.
