From curiosity to custom clothing: How one UF student discovered sewing through the Marston Makerspace
When John Irving Lucca walked into the Marston Makerspace during his first semester at UF, he felt apprehensive due to his perceived lack of skill. The junior sociology major only knew how to hand-sew, and the last time he did that, he was a child. Now, only a few months later, he designs custom clothing, helps other students with their projects, and is the first person to complete certification on a newly donated professional sewing machine.
Known to most as Lucca, he is one of the thousands of students who visit the Makerspace each month looking for a creative outlet. The Marston Makerspace provides free access to tools, materials, and guidance for students across disciplines, supporting everything from creative projects to early-stage business ideas.
“I wanted to try something new,” Lucca said. “I wanted to learn a new skill, start a new hobby.”
With equipment ranging from sewing machines to 3D printers, the space is designed to lower barriers to experimentation, bridge gaps in access to technology, and help students turn ideas into tangible work.
At first, the space felt intimidating. With rows of tools, shelves of materials, and multiple projects happening at once, Lucca said he felt overwhelmed.
“There’s so much in there,” he said. “So many materials. I didn’t know where to start.”
During spring semester, he decided to push past that feeling and give it a try. He started small, following online tutorials to make scrunchies using fabric and elastic. He saw it as a low-stakes way to learn how to use a sewing machine. The Makerspace provided access to sewing machines, thread, and even some fabric, which meant there was very little financial risk involved for him as a student.
“It made it easier to just try,” he said. “I didn’t have to invest my own money upfront.”
He ended up selling the scrunchies to peers, an experience that helped him realize he could turn creative projects into
entrepreneurial opportunities. More importantly, it gave him the confidence to take on bigger challenges.
Since then, Lucca has begun making custom clothing and is currently working on a jacket and a sweater. He wanted bespoke pieces he could proudly say he made himself. He admits that the process has not always been smooth, but that the hiccups have been foundational in his learning.
“I tend to jump ahead and skip steps,” he said with a laugh. “But that’s part of learning and gaining experience. Now I know what not to do next time.”
One of the biggest advantages of working in the Makerspace, Lucca said, is the community. While making his jacket, another student helped him pin fabric, offered feedback, and provided a second set of eyes on his project.
He explained that using the Makerspace is different from checking out tools on your own from the tool library. The Makerspace offers more than equipment, it provides materials and, most importantly, access to people with knowledge and experience. Since gaining confidence in sewing, Lucca has begun helping others in the space, while also learning from more advanced makers who generously share tips and techniques.
“It feels good to be able to help someone else,” he said. “And when someone who knows more comes in, I always pick up something new.”
Lucca has since purchased a beginner sewing machine for home use over the weekend, but he still prefers to work in the Makerspace when it is open.
“I like being on campus, meeting new people, and having that social aspect,” he said. “Sewing can be a pretty solitary hobby, so it’s nice to be around other creatives.”
He was especially excited when the Makerspace received a donation of a professional-level sewing machine. Lucca became the first student to complete the certification process and try it out.
“It’s so exciting! That’s something I never would have had access to otherwise,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lucca hopes more students will take advantage of the Makerspace.
“So many people walk by and don’t come in,” he said. “I wish they knew what was possible.”
He also hopes the space can one day offer extended hours.
“Being open from noon to 7 would make a big difference,” he said.
For Lucca, what began as curiosity has turned into confidence, creativity, and connection. His journey reflects how access to tools, space, and community can open doors students never expected.