As part of a reuse awareness project, Veolia (Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste contractor) is giving residents the opportunity to attend a Make Do and Mend sewing workshop at the Materials Recovery Facility in Mansfield.

People can book a free place on one of the morning creative workshops to learn the basics of using both a sewing machine and sewing by hand.

Projects might include working on alterations and adaptations to clothes in your wardrobe so they can be reused rather than disposed of, updating a patchwork quilt, or reusing fabric to make a bag, aprons, cushion or stocking.

The first workshop is being held on Friday, 18th May 2018, from 9am-12.30pm.

Booking is essential by emailing [email protected] or calling 0203 567 4392.

Further information can be found at www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/makedoandmend

Victoria Thacker, Communications Manager for Veolia in Nottinghamshire, said: “The interest and creative potential in mending or altering garments is popular within craft communities, but in general damaged clothing is typically discarded with general waste rather than repaired and reused.

“The upcoming Make Do and Mend workshops are being held to help everyone have the chance to repair, alter and reuse their garments and love their clothes for longer.”

All equipment is provided and attendees will discover:

– A range of sewing and alteration techniques,

– How to repair and alter on your own with confidence, to help avoid clothes going to waste,

– And why it’s important to ensure that no textiles go into the kerbside recycling bins.

Suzanne Rawlinson, from Oh Sew Suzy, who will be leading the workshops, said: “The workshops are for all abilities in a relaxed environment, to help you to refresh or revamp garments which are just too good to be cast aside… from old favourites, to your new purchases which may need a little tweaking. Don’t be nervous! Bring your garments along and we`ll guide you through the difficult bits.

“As part of the workshop visitors will also be given the opportunity to see first-hand what happens to their recycling once it leaves the kerbside.”

Further workshop dates:

Tuesday 12th June 9am – 12.30

Tuesday 17th July 9am – 12.30

Friday 3rd August 9am – 12.30

Friday 24th August 9am – 12.30

Friday 14th September 9am – 12.30

Tuesday 30th October 9am – 12.30

Tuesday 27th November 9am – 12.30

Tuesday 11th December 9am – 12.30