13 Jul Community Creativity Flourishes at latest ReFAB Studio X Fashion-Enter Ltd Free Workshop

Despite soaring temperatures during London’s recent heatwave, a dedicated group of local residents gathered at FC Designer Workspace on Friday 10th July for the tenth session in the ReFAB Studio x Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) community workshop series.

Supported by The Clothworkers’ Company, the free 12-part programme is helping to promote sustainable fashion practices while giving participants valuable practical sewing and upcycling skills that can be used for both personal projects and future employment opportunities.

This latest workshop focused on creating bespoke cushion covers using reclaimed luxury fabrics. Under the guidance of Fashion-Enter Ltd’s experienced tutors, attendees learned a range of professional sewing techniques, from accurately cutting patterns and constructing seams to overlocking and pressing for a professional finish. Participants also watched demonstrations on threading and operating industrial sewing machines before putting their new skills into practice.

With six attendees taking part, the workshop provided an encouraging environment where beginners and more experienced makers could learn together. Many participants also used the opportunity to create cosmetic bags and tote bags, transforming high-quality surplus textiles into practical everyday items and demonstrating how creative upcycling can help reduce textile waste.

The positive atmosphere was reflected in the feedback received at the end of the session.

One participant commented: “Really supportive teaching and informative.”

Another said: “Very good experience. I am very pleased with my cushion cover, the material was excellent and the teaching was very good.”

A third participant added: “I learnt how to cut out a cushion pattern, how to sew together, how to overlock, how to press correctly. I watched a demo of threading up an industrial machine and used it to sew.”

With just two free workshops remaining in the ReFAB Studio x Fashion-Enter Ltd series, there is still an opportunity for members of the local community to get involved, develop practical making skills and discover how surplus textiles can be transformed into beautifully crafted products rather than ending up as waste.

To find out more about the remaining sessions and book a place, visit Fashion Capital UK’s Eventbrite page.