Patch and Repurpose - teaching sewing skills

Patch and Repurpose Workshops

Patch and Repurpose is a collaborative workshop programme led by Forest Recycling Project (FRP) and REACT (Residents of Edmonton Angel Community Together), proudly funded by North London Waste Authority (NLWA).

Patch and Repurpose was created in response to requests from FRP’s volunteers and customers, who were looking for a welcoming place to learn how to mend and fix clothes and other textile items. The workshops also respond to a growing interest in finding new value in old fabrics — repurposing unwanted textiles and creatively transforming them into something new.

Together, FRP and REACT invite you to discover the joy of repairing, reusing, and reviving old textiles. Join us for five relaxed and friendly afternoons in Upper Edmonton, where hands-on making meets sustainability, skill-sharing, and positive action for the planet. Whether you’re completely new to sewing or already confident with a needle and thread, these workshops are open to all skill levels.

New Groups Start:

8 January 2026 – Forest Recycling Project (FRP)
🗓 Thursdays, 10.00am – 12.00pm
📍 FRP, 2 C Bakers Avenue, E17 9AW

14 January 2026 – The Living Room Library
🗓 Wednesdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
📍 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, N18 2XF

If you are interested in joining, please send an email to info@frpuk.org with

“Patch and Repurpose” in the subject line.

What You’ll Learn

Across the sessions, you’ll be introduced to a range of simple, creative, and empowering textile skills, including:

• Simple and creative mending techniques
  
• Visible mending and decorative repairs
  
• Upcycling and patchwork skills
  
• An introduction to using a sewing machine
  
• Hand embroidery and decorative stitching
  
• Transforming items like jeans, pillowcases, or shirts into something new
  
• Tips on making the most of materials you already have at home
  

All sewing equipment is provided, along with starter materials to help you begin.

Why Join?

• Friendly, welcoming sessions in a supportive environment
• Learn practical skills that can be life-enhancing and confidence-building
• Meet like-minded people and local community groups
• Reduce waste and support sustainable living
• Extend the life of your clothes and household textiles

Why Patch and Repurpose?

Patch and Repurpose was developed in response to the growing challenges posed by the fashion and textile industry, as well as direct requests from FRP volunteers and customers who were actively looking for a place to learn how to mend and repair clothes, fix everyday textile items, and creatively reuse old fabrics. Many people visiting FRP expressed a desire to gain practical skills that would help them care for what they already own, reduce waste, and turn unwanted or damaged textiles into something useful or beautiful. At the same time, the fashion and textile industry continues to have a significant environmental impact — depleting natural resources, threatening biodiversity, and polluting our oceans with chemicals and microplastics.

By learning how to mend, reuse, and repurpose textiles, participants can reduce household waste, keep fabric out of landfill and incineration, and make more mindful, sustainable choices about the clothes and textiles they already own.

About the Workshops

Each session focuses on mending and upcycling. The workshops are hands-on, motivational, and designed to help you experiment creatively while building practical skills you can continue using at home.

As the sessions progress, you’ll be encouraged to bring in textiles from home that could be creatively repurposed. Don’t worry — guidance will be provided on what’s suitable to bring along.

📍 Workshop Locations & Times

Forest Recycling Project (FRP)
🗓 Thursdays, 10.00am – 12.00pm
📍 FRP, 2 C Bakers Avenue, E17 9AW
🌐 www.frpuk.org

The Living Room Library
🗓 Wednesdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
📍 Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, N18 2XF
🌐 www.reactedmonton.org