A workshop to teach you how to transform your old or damaged garments into stylish and sustainable pieces that you can wear with pride is being launched in Okehamnpton.
Devon Air Ambulance offers ‘stitching with style’ at their first new mending workshop for local sewing beginners & enthusiasts.
Those who are already skilled or keen-to-be a little handier with a needle and thread are invited to secure one of 15 places at Devon Air Ambulance’s first mending workshop.
Both beginners and keen menders will meet to learn and share sewing techniques that will help to give much-loved and pre-loved donated garments a new lease of life.
Some of the mended items will go on for resale in the charity’s local shops as part of their Mishap Fashion range; a project to help fashion go further for local people and for the planet.
The workshop will be held during Sustainable Fashion Week between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday 8 October 2023 at Okehampton Charter Hall.
Menders can either bring a garment that they would like to repair themselves, or to receive advice about repairing, or they can come along and practice their skills using donated items from our Mishap Fashion range.
Attendees are also invited to bring their own garments in need of repair, although a range of garments will be available to choose from on the day. There will be a focus on hand-mending holes in knitwear, replacing buttons, using patches to cover marks and scuffs and more.
All mending techniques will be explained by Devon Air Ambulance retail team hosts and menders, Eliza and Isabel, who are looking forward to sharing skills, hints, tips and inspiration with the group.
Eliza, sewing enthusiast and manager of Cowick Street’s Devon Air Ambulance shop in Exeter, says: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming menders to a lovely afternoon stitching together in Okehampton. Those helping to restore the life of our donated garments that need a little care can look forward to a friendly few hours with others who are ‘stitching for our community’ by repairing items for resale.
“As a lifesaving charity that exists 100% thanks to the supporters in the communities we serve, we are delighted to share this hands-on approach to raising funds, raising awareness, and drawing threads between members of our community during Sustainable Fashion Week.
“Every item mended and sold takes a little of the strain off the planet’s natural resources and we can’t wait to share the skills to support our regenerative approach to fashion.’
There are just 15 spaces available for the three-hour session which can be secured for £10 per person. The cost for the workshop includes all mending supplies and refreshments. The minimum age for participating is 13 and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
