Save it with a stitch
By Rebecca Poole
The spirit of make do and mend is being celebrated in Lincoln this Saturday, with a free drop-in repair session and clothes swap encouraging residents to choose secondhand fashion first.
Lincoln Sustainable Fashion Forum (LSFF) is hosting a pop-up Repair Station as part of its regular monthly clothes swap, encouraging swappers to make simple repairs to their garments, sit and chat to likeminded people, and share skills with those keen to learn the basics of mending.
“On Saturday we will be able to help swappers to replace buttons, darn or patch holes and ladders, restitch unravelled stitching or rehem items of clothing that they still love but are unable to wear,” explained Clare McGarrigle, LSFF Volunteer.
A nationwide campaign by Oxfam inspires shoppers to choose to only buy preloved clothing throughout Second Hand September in a bid to help create more sustainable shopping habits and protect the future of our planet.
According to Oxfam, 99% of garments owned in the UK spend their lifespan in a wardrobe with items only being worn on average for 5 days in total. LSFF offers an alternative, allowing those items to have a second life through repairing or swapping good quality, preloved clothes.
“Extending the life of a garment prevents it from going into landfill, as often charity shops are unable to sell damaged clothes,” added Clare.
“Repairing can be subtle or overt depending on the owners’ taste, adding a bit of personality to the garments. And lastly, it’s great to learn a new skill!”
Drop off up to five gently used items at Lincoln Central Library on Saturday September 20 11am – 12pm and pop back between 12pm – 1pm to pick up items new-to-you and refresh your Autumn wardrobe for free, saving a few pennies in the process.
Items for the swap must be adults’ clothing only in clean, swappable condition with no stains, rips, pilling or tears. However, if your garments could use a bit of TLC drop-in to the Repair Station located on a table in the room and learn new techniques.
To celebrate Sustainable Fashion Week, (September 27 – October 5) the Coat of Possibilities created earlier this year by local activists will also be on display. The coat, made from discarded jeans, sweatshirts and t-shirts attached to the back of a man’s jacket, signifies the hidden harsh realities of growing, weaving and creating clothing for western markets.
Find out more at www.instagram.com/lincolnsustainablefashion or email
