Research suggests we have £30 billion worth of unused clothing lurking in our wardrobes and we’re guilty of not wearing 1/3 of the clothes we own.
According to WRAP, if we were to use our clothes just 9 months longer, each item’s carbon, waste and water footprint would be reduced by as much as 20-30%.
In a bid to raise awareness of the need for sustainable fashion, Hubbub, the UK’s leading behavioural change charity, has arranged a series of re-fashion and clothes swapping events for this weekend (23rd-24th Jan) and the weekend after (30th-31st Jan). The charity is keen to highlight the benefits of making the most of the clothes you already have while teaching you how to repurpose them into exciting new garments or and turn them into a work of art!
Gavin Ellis, Hubbub’s founder, says: “January is the perfect time to learn new skills, to reorganise your wardrobe and fix up those neglected clothes in need of a little TLC. These workshops offer a valuable opportunity to learn new skills to customise and update what you have and re-work your wardrobe.
“Whilst the January sale madness offers a fast fashion fix to some, others are experiencing a dose of the January blues. After Christmas, our wallets are empty and the likelihood is we’ve ended up with presents we don’t want or need. The prospect of more shopping fills many of us with dread. January is a great time to make new resolutions, to start new ways of doing things, and learn new skills. So come along to the workshop with your friends and have some fun.”
You can book your tickets for the events here.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, so bring up to 10 items of clothing, jewellery, bags or shoes and for just £5 entry you can swap them for items that are ‘new-to-you’!
Saturday 23 January
- Lordship Hub, N17 6NU Tottenham, 12pm-2pm
- Dugdale Centre, Enfield, 4pm- 6pm
Sunday 24 January
- Chiping Barnet Library, Barnet, 1.15pm – 3.15pm
- Archway Methodist Church, 4pm – 6pm, Islington / Archway
Saturday 30 January
- Gnome House, 4.15pm – 6.15pm, Walthamstow
- Camden Arts Centre, 4.15pm – 6.15pm, Camden
Sunday 31 January
- The White Building, 2pm – 4pm, Hackney
Re-fashion workshops
Mending and Darning with Celia Pym, Saturday 23rd January, 2.15pm - 4.15pm
Enfield Town Library, Enfield
At this workshop darning enthusiast Celia Pym will share her woven and ‘knitted’ darning, Sashiko, Boro and patching skills.
Bobble Hat Upcycling Workshop, Saturday 23rd January, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Lordship Co-Op Hub, Haringey
TRAID’s education team will run their ever popular Bobble Hat Upcycling Workshop - turn an old jumper into a warm and wearable bobble hat.
Clothing Alterations and Styling, Sunday 24th January, 2pm - 4pmResurrection Boutique, Islington
Learn to restyle, refashion or transform your garments with London’s go-to agency for quality vintage clothing, alterations and repairs, Resurrection Boutique.
Denim Customising for Kids and Teens, Sunday 24th January, 3pm - 5pm
Chipping Barnet Library, Barnet
For kids aged 10-18, learn how to reinvent a pair of jeans, jazz up a denim jacket or create something altogether new.
Indigo Dyeing, Saturday Jan 30th, 11.30am - 1pm
Katherine May Studio, Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow
Are your clothes looking a bit faded and dull? Designer Katherine May will show you how to refresh your tired-looking clothes with a new lease of indigo colour.
Rag-rugging T-shirt into wall art, Saturday January 30th, 2pm - 4pm
Camden Arts Centre, Camden
Craft specialists Tea and Crafting will help you to craft your old T-shirts into beautiful framed pictures.
Jeans repair and alterations (for men), Sunday 31st January, 12pm - 2pm
Everything in Colour, Queen’s Yard, Hackney
Are you a bloke eager to be educated in basic sewing skills? Do you have a favourite pair of jeans that you hold on to even though they’ve got several holes?
