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News: Carmela’s skills come in handy for the frontline

Please note: This news story may contain information that is no longer current or up to date.
Carmela busy at her sewing machine
Carmela busy at her sewing machine

Carmela Devivo, Technical Instructor for Creative Arts (and former Nottingham College student), usually spends her weekdays helping our Fashion and Textiles students and supporting staff. That could mean helping with a range of things, from pattern-cutting to garment manufacturing. 

But over the past few months, she’s also made more than 150 items for the NHS and care homes, including headbands, scrub bags and face masks. 

Carmela

In her own words

Back in April, when it was all over the news that there was a lack of protective equipment available in the NHS, I started sewing! 

I emailed the hospital, and they asked me to send what I’d made to the intensive care unit, and that they would take it from there. 

I’ve also been sending to local care homes, as I knew they were also struggling with PPE

 — Carmela
Picture of drawstring bags with various patterns

Alumni success

Carmela is actually one of our own former Fashion and Textiles students too! After a Level 3 course at Nottingham College, she progressed to a foundation degree here, then completed her BA in Fashion Design at De Montfort University. 

She uses the skills learned on her courses, combined with her experience of working at De Montfort as a fashion and knitwear technical instructor, to benefit our students and support her fellow staff. Alongside this she has been working on plans to launch her own brand of childrenswear. 

She usually gets involved in organising the College’s catwalk fashion shows. This year, as student work has gone into a virtual Creative Show instead, she’s been sharing highlights and current work on the Fashion & Textiles department’s Instagram feed.

Published on:
  • 29th June 2020 (3:51 PM)
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