15 Jan FC Designer Collective Drop-In Repair & Upcycling Workshop: Building Skills, Community and Sustainable Fashion

The FC Designer Collective’s Drop-In Repair and Upcycling Workshop continues to grow as a welcoming, practical space for the local creative community to extend the life of their clothes while learning new skills. Held twice a month at the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Hill Road in Finsbury Park, the workshop is proudly supported by Islington Council as part of its commitment to sustainability, skills development and community wellbeing.

The workshop offers open access to equipment and workspace, with expert technicians on hand to guide participants through repairs and creative upcycling projects. Whether attendees are complete beginners or confident makers, the emphasis is on encouragement, shared learning and hands-on problem solving. Participants are able to work at their own pace, gaining confidence while reducing textile waste and rethinking their relationship with clothing.

The most recent session, held on Tuesday 13 January, welcomed nine attendees, each working on a range of garments and accessories. Projects included trousers, dresses, coats, skirts and a bag, reflecting the versatility of the workshop and the varied needs of those attending. The atmosphere was collaborative and focused, with participants supporting one another while benefiting from professional technical advice.

Feedback from the session was overwhelmingly positive, ranging from good to excellent. All attendees said they would attend again, highlighting the value of having regular, accessible opportunities to repair and refresh garments rather than replacing them. Notably, every participant discovered the workshop through Eventbrite, demonstrating the effectiveness of this platform in reaching the local community and attracting new audiences to FC Designer Collective activities.

Constructive feedback is also helping the workshop evolve. Suggestions included to increase the number of machines available on site to reduce waiting times during busy moments. This insight will help inform future planning as the workshop continues to grow in popularity.

Overall, the Drop-In Repair and Upcycling Workshop is proving to be a meaningful initiative—combining sustainability, creativity and community engagement in a practical and inclusive way.

The next Repair and Upcycle Drop In will take place Tuesday 27th January, tap here for further details and reserve your place.