We are delighted to share news of a fantastic new project , in collaboration with Remake Scotland! We’d like to bring their incredible “Shared Sustainable Textile World” initiative to our community, offering a unique opportunity to develop your sewing skills with a focus on sustainability.
What is the “Shared Sustainable Textile World” Project?
This initiative is all about empowering individuals to learn and grow their textile skills in an environmentally conscious way. It’s a chance to transform pre-loved materials into new treasures, reduce waste, and discover the immense satisfaction of creating something yourself. By extending the life of textiles and choosing to make rather than buy new, you’ll be actively contributing to reducing the significant carbon footprint of the textile industry.
A Proposed Course Outline
We’re in the early stages of planning a fun and engaging sewing block. While the specifics will be tailored to the group’s interests and skill levels, here’s an idea of what the four-week block could look like:
- Week One: Sewing Machine Basics. Starting with the fundamentals of using a sewing machine.
- Week Two: Creative & Practical Makes. Once you’re familiar with the machine, you’d dive into some fun, achievable projects. Perhaps colourful bunting to brighten your home, a handy peg bag, or a new tote bag perfect for shopping – all made from sustainable materials.
- Week Three: Expanding Your Skills. Building on your new skills, we might move onto slightly more intricate items. Imagine crafting a custom book cover, table runner or different seams and finishes.
- Week Four: Introducing New Challenges (and Zips!). Ready for a step up? This week could involve tackling a project with a new element, like creating a practical toiletry bag with a zip – a skill that opens up a world of possibilities!
When & Where?
We’re looking to run this block in February 2026, with sessions during the day on Mondays. We’re considering two potential time slots: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. The exact schedule will depend on the interest we receive.
Beyond the Block:
The goal of this project is to provide isn’t just to teach you to sew, but to start a new hobby. We want to make it easy for you to keep practising and creating sustainably!
- Hire a Sewing Machine: Don’t have your own machine yet? No problem! You’ll be able to hire sewing machines from Remakes Tool Library or via Culture PK through the Library to continue your projects at home.
- Sustainable Materials from Remake: Remake Scotland is a haven of pre-loved fabrics, buttons, zips, and haberdashery. It’s the perfect place to source unique materials for your new creations, giving textiles a second life and supporting a circular economy.
Who would be providing these sessions? A team of textile reuse experts from Remake Scotland!
Claire Tester: Milliner, home sewer, occupational therapist and textile artist Claire Tester loves all things textile. A natural born problem solver that loves the challenge of turning a 2D fabric into a 3D piece Claire has an ability to help enable others realise their creative imagination. Claire has an enhanced PVG check and is currently employed by Remake Scotland to deliver this ‘Our Shared Textile World’ Project.
Mhairi McNeill: Driven by all things visual, documentary maker, patchwork and quilting teacher and fun textile lover Mhairi loves to share her enthusiasm and teach others how to dive into the world of textiles and not be scared….. Mhairi has an enhanced PVG check and is a staff member of the Remake Scotland Reuse Hub team.
Thanks to generous Lottery funding, there would be no cost to partake in this project. All materials and equipment would be provided.
What do we need from you? Simply to know that you’re interested! And also which session would work best for you – leave us your details via this form and we’ll be in touch: https://forms.gle/UJYfsVXuFghHYfFCA