The wheelie stitcher

Yvonne is on a mission to show everyone that having a disability shouldn’t stop you doing what you love...

"I have been sewing since I was a little girl and was devastated when I thought I’d have to stop due to my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2011. Fortunately, that hasn’t been the case as I’ve since found ways to work around my disability. I just love the creative process of dressmaking and now being able to make clothes that suit my requirements as a wheelchair user is really satisfying.

"I cherish all my makes, but there is very definitely a clear favourite – not only because I love the finished garment, but also because of the sense of achievement I feel having battled through making it. My fingers are often numb, so tasks like hand sewing, dealing with large amounts of fabric and making ties are difficult. The beautiful chiffon really makes this evening dress feel special, but it’s not just the aesthetics I love – it’s the practicality too. The skirt is quite narrow fitting, so it’s perfect for the chair as it doesn’t catch in my wheels and the design of the wrap waist makes it adjustable which is important, so it’s not tight across my tummy.

"I love all the special design details, the quilted waistband, the bishop sleeves and the contrast edging. It’s certainly a dress that, as a little girl, I would have dreamt of wearing. The chiffon fabric came from Minerva and I chose to pair it with Vogue 1762 by Zandra Rhodes."

You can follow Yvonne Coleclough (she/her) on Instagram @thewheeliestitcher, check out her website – thewheeliestitcher.co.uk – and subscribe to her Youtube channel by searching for ' The Wheelie Stitcher'.