21 Oct Repair and Reuse: Community Comes Together at FC Designer Collective

The latest Repair and Upcycle Drop-In session at FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road, North London, took place on 20th October, welcoming community members keen to give their clothing and home furnishings a new lease of life.

Part of the FC Designer Workspace initiative, the free workshop supported by Islington Council is open to the general public, offering a welcoming space for people to learn practical repair, alteration and upcycling skills while extending the life of items they already own.

The latest session welcomed 11 attendees, many bringing multiple items to work on, including trousers, coats, dresses, bras and hats. With support from Louisa and Hawi, participants had the opportunity to develop their skills, tackle repairs and explore creative ways to reuse garments rather than discard them.

Feedback from attendees reflected the value of the session, with one participant commenting: “Thank you Louisa and Hawi for all their support. It was an enjoyable day and we learnt so much.”

Another attendee praised the workshop, saying: “Many thanks for an excellent session. New skills learnt and clothes repaired and saved from landfill.”

While many participants rated the workshop as excellent, feedback also highlighted opportunities to expand the sessions, with suggestions for more sewing machines and additional workshop dates to accommodate growing interest.

Held every two weeks, the Repair and Upcycle Drop-In sessions support FC Designer Workspace’s commitment to practical skills development, community engagement and more sustainable approaches to clothing and textiles.

By helping people repair, alter and reimagine the items they already own, the workshops demonstrate how small, practical actions can help reduce textile waste while building confidence, creativity and valuable skills within the local community.

For further free Repair and Upcycle Drop-In sessions at FC Designer Collective shop please tap here for upcoming dates and register to confirm your place.