24 Sep Repair & Upcycle Drop-In: Supporting Clothing Longevity in the Community

On 22nd September, the FC Designer Collective welcomed members of the local community to its latest Repair & Upcycle Drop-In session at 113–115 Fonthill Road, the retail space accompanying the FC Designer Workspace.

Held twice a month, the free community workshop provides an accessible space for people to learn, share skills and give their clothing a longer life through repair, alteration and upcycling. Rather than replacing garments when they become worn, damaged or no longer fit, participants are encouraged to explore practical ways to repair and adapt what they already own.

The 22nd September session attracted 15 participants, who brought along a wide range of garments and household textiles to work on. Projects included repairs and alterations to blouses, T-shirts, trousers and dresses, as well as net curtains, demonstrating the breadth of items that can be repaired and repurposed with the right support, skills and equipment.

The drop-in format allows participants to work at their own pace while receiving practical guidance. It also creates an opportunity for people to build confidence with repair techniques and exchange ideas with others in the community.

Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the session and the support available. One attendee commented:

“Could do with a few more sewing machines and work tables, otherwise it is fantastic!”

Another participant praised the workshop support, saying:

“Keep Moe, she is terrific, attentive, professional and has great ideas.”

The feedback demonstrates both strong enthusiasm for the sessions and an appetite for greater access to equipment and workspace as participation continues.

By providing a free and welcoming environment for repair and upcycling, the Repair & Upcycle Drop-In contributes to a more circular approach to clothing, encouraging people to maintain, adapt and reuse garments rather than automatically replacing them. The range of projects brought to the September session also illustrates how repair skills can be applied to everyday clothing and household textiles.

The next Repair & Upcycle Drop-In will take place on Tuesday 6th October at FC Designer Collective, 113–115 Fonthill Road. The sessions have been made possible with support from Islington Council.

Individuals need to register to join the next session and bring along an item(s) that could be repaired, altered or given a new lease of life.