All ages welcome at Thurso/Halkirk sewing classes
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Craft from the Croft Caithness has successfully attracted funding to run trial workshops in Thurso and Halkirk to teach people sewing skills.
It is hoped that the project and its resources will be available county-wide after the trial period. Interested groups are encouraged to make contact with the project.
The sewing classes for 6-12 people can be for complete beginners or people looking to revive their skills.
Sessions for young people, typically 16-18-years-old but could go up to 25 depending on interest, will be held on November 4 and 25 with a class for any age over 16 on November 18 and December 2. Held in the Pentland Hotel ballroom (Thurso) and the Ross Institute (Halkirk) on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, a tutor will lead the sessions assisted by mentors. Attendees can stay all day or for part of a day and are encouraged to transform outfits.
Workshop programme:
- Saturday, November 4, Pentland Hotel, Thurso, young people 16-18.
- Saturday, November 18, Pentland Hotel, Thurso, all ages from 16 up.
- Saturday, November 25, Ross Institute, Halkirk, young people 16-18.
- Saturday, December 2, Ross Institute, Halkirk, all ages from 16 up.
The project is looking to involve local sewing mentors so, if you have sewing based experience or interest, please contact the project to join in and share your skills. You might sew at home, be part of the WRI or be a quilter. Sewing machines will be used at the sessions with their use demonstrated to beginners who can then use them for their chosen tasks.
In addition attendees will be asked to bring three to five outfits with them to explore swapping clothes with others and activities such as upcycling. The tutor will lead on topics such as how to repair and alter clothes.
This project is a local way of rehoming unwanted clothing in an environmentally friendly way, bringing old skills to a generation. The circular economy will be improved by reducing textile waste, helping to combat climate change. The sessions will encourage the sharing of ideas about how textile waste can be further reduced.
The project is keen to include clothes swaps, with photos and descriptions included on an online forum, website or similar. Young people in particular will see an educational benefit by learning "making skills" and about recycling and having more disposable income for purchases other than clothes. Lifestyle savings may give the incentive to reuse textile waste by swapping with friends, potentially making an outfit different with alterations and accessories. Events are suitable for all age groups over 16.
Anyone interested in attending a workshop, becoming a sewing mentor or to find out more information can contact local project manager, Louise Smith, by emailing louinscot@aol.com or by phoning 07776 225 549
Funding came from RWE Bad a Cheo Wind Farm Community Fund (Halkirk), administered by Foundation Scotland.
