Meet Yan Tang So, Senior Seamstress at Second Stitch
Yan Tang So moved from Guangdong, China to Australia in 1993. Though she was a trained textiles teacher, Yan found it challenging to find work when she arrived. It wasn’t until 2020 that Yan began working at Second Stitch, a textile training centre and production studio in Melbourne, which aims to empower women from diverse backgrounds, both economically and socially.
Ashe: Can you please tell me a bit about your role at Second Stitch and why it’s important to you?
Yan: I currently work in the production team as production assistant and senior seamstress. My role at Second Stitch is important to me because it is something that I enjoy and I am knowledgeable in.
What was your upbringing like? Did your early life inspire what you do now?
During High School, I started learning about textiles and once I graduated, I started teaching Textiles at the same High School. In my home province, teachers learn on the job, and I spent many hours studying to be a great teacher after work.
I really enjoyed my work and many students would ask to be in my class. I taught pattern making and sewing. Every year we would have a runway to show the students’ work. One year, I was asked to be the model!
In my 4th year of teaching I received the award for “Teaching Excellence”. These achievements helped give me the confidence to continue my career.
Can you share a rewarding moment that happened at work?
I love my work most when an item that I have designed and made sells very well. It shows that our clients enjoy my work. I am always really happy when I see other people wearing or using the pieces that I have made.
What was it like finding work and setting up a life in Australia?
Although I had many years of experience in China, I found it hard to find work in Australia due to English skills and not having a formal education. I was studying at Second Stitch, when I started working at Second Stitch.
How important is it to have different cultural perspectives?
Australia is a very multicultural country, so it is important for everyone to learn from all cultural perspectives, as there are many skills we can learn from each other.
What makes a healthy happy space for women (cis, trans and non-binary inclusive)?
Collaboration and acceptance makes Second Stitch a supportive workspace, where anyone can come to learn new skills, gain community and confidence.
Do you think the skills and experience you gained in your home country should be recognised in Australia?
Yes, I agree with this. I had many years of experience, was a sought after teacher who won awards, but when I came to Australia my options were very limited and difficult to access. However, I studied hard at English, then joined the Clothing and Production course at Second Stitch and now I work for them. So I am happy again.
What’s your favourite product at the moment and why?
One of my favourite products is the Bum-bag, as it was the first item that I designed. We sell this bum bag at QVWC, in our store and a similar one for Magpie Goose. It has become a very popular item. I also enjoy making the clown coats for The Humour Foundation. The clown doctors always appreciate my work and I love how unique each doctor’s coat is.
How can people best support Second Stitch?
You can support Second Stitch by following and sharing our social media posts, or sharing your Second Stitch purchase online.
We also have an Alterations and Repair team that is run by graduated students from our Clothing and Textile Production course.
You could also come to our workshop at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Wayi Djerring, Level 4, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne on Oct 16th 10:30-12:30 during Melbourne Fashion Week, 2022.
We also accept fabric and sewing machine donations.
Second Stich range is also available for sale at the QVWC SHOP! See full range here.
Interview Ashe Davenport. Photos Mia Mala McDonald
