27 Feb Islington Council Supports Repair & Upcycle Drop-In Sessions for Another Year

Whether it’s on the London Fashion Week catwalk or at home on the kitchen table, the interest in repairing and upcycling garments has grown phenomenally over the last five years. So much so that reworked vintage fashion stores are opening up and down the country and stitching and upcycling courses are fully subscribed.

Of course reworking what we already have is a no-brainer when it comes to environmental concerns, it also aligns with being creative, meeting others, positive mental health and the creation of something unique to wear. 

Each month at Fashion-Enter Ltd’s shop – FC Designer Collective, located on Fonthill Road in North London we hold free, drop-in repair and upcycling workshops for local residents. The shop is equipped with machines and haberdashery so the idea is to provide advice and space to encourage attendees to have a go.

The initiative has been supported, from the very beginning, by Islington Council and the good news is they have just agreed to support another year’s worth of workshops – taking the project to March 2025.

Amazing news for the FC Designer Collective, Islington residents and, of course, the environment.

Comments from previous attendees has included:

“I learnt how to use a sewing machine, which allowed me to fix the pocket on my trousers.”

“I feel more confident with repairing and upcycling my own clothes after doing this.”

“I learnt four excellent repairing techniques, so clearly explained – thank-you, Leyla.”  

The idea is that the workshops provide support and guidance that individuals can continue to utilise at home so that they think twice before throwing clothing away.

Fashion-Enter Ltd Founder, Jenny Holloway said: “It’s fantastic news that Islington Council have agreed to support the Repair and Upcycling drop-in sessions at the shop. Reusing textiles is definitely the way forward and it is brilliant that we can pass on skills for life so that people get more longevity from their clothing. Thank-you to Patel Ryazan, Recycling and Waste Minimisation Officer – Environment & Climate Change, Islington Council for ongoing support.”

The next Repair and Upcycle drop in will take place Tuesday 19th March at FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road, London N4. Close to Finsbury Park tube station. These workshops are free, but please register your place via FashionCapital eventbrite.