13 May Community Comes Together for Free Repair and Upcycling Session 12th May

The FC Designer Collective shop, 113-115, Fonthill Road, London N4, continues to support sustainable fashion and community wellbeing through its popular free Repair and Upcycling Drop In Sessions.

Supported by Islington Council, the initiative forms part of the council’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and encouraging recycling within the local community. The latest session took place on Tuesday 12th May in conjunction with Mend It May, bringing together local residents to repair, alter and creatively upcycle their textiles rather than sending them to landfill.

Held bi-monthly, the sessions are free to attend, with participants simply required to register in advance. During the workshops, participants bring along clothing and home textiles that need repairing, altering or transforming into something entirely new. From shortening hems and repairing rips to changing sleeves and redesigning garments, the sessions encourage practical reuse while helping people develop valuable stitching and alteration skills.

The drop-in sessions are designed not only to reduce textile waste, but also to strengthen community connections and support wellbeing through creative learning. Experienced stitching technicians are available throughout the sessions to provide guidance and advice, while attendees have access to professional industrial sewing machines and equipment within the shop.

A total of 12 individuals took part in the latest event, with many participants working on multiple items throughout the session.

The next Free Repair & Upcycling Drop In Session will take place on Tuesday 26th May at the FC Designer Collective shop. Places are free but advance registration is required.