When I bought my first sewing machine at 18, I was firmly convinced that I would one day follow in the footsteps of iconic fashion designers such as Margiela or Saint Laurent. I can no longer make sense of what I was thinking — at that age, no star was too high to reach for and so I began, unselfconsciously and naively, to try my hand at creating my first piece. After a few rather unsuccessful attempts, parties, boys and lots of drama followed, and so my sewing machine disappeared for ten years, dusty and unused on my infamous “I tried (but failed)” shelf. But I could never quite let go of the idea. I regained some hope when I found by chance, in November last year (2023), that UY offers a monthly sewing workshop. UY is a Berlin fashion label and art collective founded in 2013. They have made it their mission to help people listen to their bodies and break free from conventions — no matter what gender, sexuality, ethnicity, place of origin, size or age. A hybrid place has been created here over the years, where global meets local and clothing can be cozy and edgy at the same time, but above all, it is a place for liberation and expression of raw beauty.
At their in-house studio, you can take part in a four-week workshop where you will learn the basics of sewing — by machine and by hand — and design your own piece to take home at the end of the four sessions. From using different types of fabric, measuring correctly, and understanding the machines to basic pattern making and designing your own piece, Sarah and Lani will guide you through all the important first steps you need to feel confident enough to unpack your own sewing machine at home. All materials for the exercises are provided, and you’ll of course be allowed to choose the perfect fabric for your own piece. As the groups are limited to four people, even a sewing novice like me will get enough support and attention to succeed. If you still want more after the beginner’s course, or you’re already above a basic sewing level, then take the intermediate course: here you will work on expanding your knowledge and developing your designs, with a focus on pattern-making. At the end of the workshop, I left the studio with two pieces — my 18-year-old self would be proud of me, and my dusty sewing machine is also looking forward to seeing the light of day.
Text & Photos: Robyn Steffen
UY Studio, Pflügerstr.11, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Find upcoming workshops here.
@uy.studio
