17 Jan January’s Repair and Upcycle Drop In

Yesterday, 16th January, FEL held its monthly Repair and Upcycle drop-in event, supported by Islington Council, for local residents at the FC Designer Collective shop. This was our busiest session to date with 12 attendees working on customising, re-hemming, tailoring to the body and more. It was brilliant to see the general public get stuck in and gain some tips on sewing and making the most of their existing garments.

The drop-in sessions are aimed at people who have garments, or any form of textiles that they would like to repair or change into something new by teaching how to mend, stitch and alter. We show them step-by-step how to make these changes and how to look after and keep their clothes out of landfill.

We had 15 attendees at the drop-in session all leaving with one or more pieces of clothing repaired or upcycled. Some included creating mittens and a matching balaclava out of an old sweater, sizing up a blouse, sizing town a tank top and creating a skirt out of a pair of jeans just to name a few. 

Feedback from the public 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 4 excellent repairing techniques, so clearly explained – thank you, Leyla.”  

The next drop-in Repair and Upcycle session at the FC Designer Collective, 113-115 Fonthill Road will take place on Tuesday 13th February, tap here to book your free place.