“It has impacted my life and enriched it in a way that no other project has. It changed my opinion of what persons with disabilities can do.”
In the depths of pandemic-induced anxiety, Chang Lu-Lyn, 54, the Founder and Principal Designer of Bound Design, found solace in the delicate art of macramé, a form of textile produced using knotting (rather than weaving or knitting). Little did she know that this craft, born from her need for peace, would blossom into a transformative project, reshaping her perceptions and illuminating the immense potential within marginalized communities.
When Lu-Lyn birthed Bound Designs, her vision extended beyond mere knots and threads. Macramé became a conduit for empowerment, a means to uplift those often sidelined by society. “I don’t see myself as a particularly patient person, nor have I ever taught before this. I was nervous about teaching macramé to persons with disabilities,” she confessed.
With the support of Social Gifting, introduced by i’mable Collective, Lu-Lyn found the courage to embark on this journey of creativity and compassion to empower persons with disabilities and socially-isolated seniors to create commissioned brooches for ION Orchard in Nov 2023.
Despite the intricate nature of macramé, Social Gifting ingeniously tailored the process to accommodate various abilities. From selecting cord colors to holding a cord steady for a friend to cut, every step was an opportunity for inclusion and collaboration.
“I imagine a world where different abilities are embraced and celebrated,” shares Valen Tan Husistein, Chief Empowerment Officer of Social Gifting. Through this partnership, persons with disabilities discovered their strengths, gaining not only motor skills but also a newfound sense of confidence and self-worth.
As the collaboration unfolded, Lu-Lyn’s anxiety melted into joy and hope. “Everyone had a great time, working harmoniously with friendly chit-chats and encouraging hi-fives. It was heartening for me to realize that persons with disabilities are just like us,” she reminisces, her heart brimming with newfound understanding and empathy.
One life forever changed by this project was that of Clarissa Foong, 26, a Marketing and Logistic Assistant at Social Gifting. Clarissa’s journey began with a harrowing motorbike accident, leaving her physically and mentally paralyzed. “After waking up from a 2-week coma, I felt like dying. I couldn’t remember anything,” she shares, her voice tinged with vulnerability. This life-altering experience became a catalyst for Clarissa’s deepened understanding and connection with the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
“Before, I’m always running against time – faster, faster, why are you so slow? But through this journey, I’ve shed my former self. I’ve learned to embrace patience, empathy, and resilience. I’ve learned to communicate better. Instead of criticism, I strive to make others feel worthy and empowered,” she reflects, her transformation a testament to the profound power of compassion and perseverance. As she looks back on her journey, Clarissa embraces a newfound purpose. “I would like to change our mindset on failure. It’s ok to take your time as long as you don’t give up.“
Lu-Lyn and Clarissa’s stories echo as a poignant reminder: within life’s tapestry of trials lie hidden blessings, waiting to be unfurled. Their odyssey from pain to purpose inspires us to embrace resilience, kindness, and the transformative potential inherent within every challenge.
“Great things can be accomplished if we cater to each person’s learning method.”
Fueled by the profound impact of this project, Lu-Lyn went on to become a trainer with Enabling Academy to champion up-skilling initiatives for persons with disabilities. Through her unwavering commitment, she intricately weaves a brighter future, stitching together positive change one thread at a time – illuminating a path towards a more inclusive and promising tomorrow.
Lu-Lyn conducted a 40-hour training programme called ‘Macramé for Fashion Handbag & Accessories Making’ in Aug 2024, where persons with disabilities learnt macarmé knotting and simple colour theory of textile colours. 24 persons with disabilities from MINDS were trained to create bags (clutch, bucket bag) and accessories (tassel keyrings, rope necklaces, wristlets, crossbody straps).
After the training programme ended, Hidayah and Halidah, were hired to produce the line of bags for sale at DORS at Design Orchard from now till December 2024.
Pictured from left to right: Emily Ong from SG Enable, Hidayah from MINDS, Lu-Lyn Chang from Bound Designs, Hidayah’s family members, and Shialey Tan from SG Enable at the i’mable Collective x Design Orchard capsule collection launch on 15 November 2024.
