Hackney clothing upcycling project ‘sew’ good for community

A Salvation Army church in Hackney is encouraging people to give second hand clothes and fabrics a new lease of life through its new clothing upcycling project. 

Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army recently launched the project in a bid to upcycle clothing and material that would otherwise go to rag from the church’s thriving on-site charity shop. The project is free to attend at the church every Monday from 10am – 12.30pm and although fabric and clothing is provided, people are also welcome to bring their own material to work on. 

The clothing upcycling project is led by Child and Family Worker at Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army, Vikki Remmie, who can also teach anyone interested how to sew. Sewing machines are provided and some people who attend have also been sharing their skills including crochet and knitting with others.

Vikki said: “We wanted to engage the community and offer something that wasn’t being done elsewhere in Hackney. With the high cost of living, we also wanted to offer something practical. Knowing how to repair or upcycle clothing can help people save money as well as care for creation by buying less. 

“The number of people who come in every week is slowly growing as our charity shop is helping spread the word so we’re seeing some new faces which is great. Our clothing upcycling project is a welcome space open to everyone and is a chance to get to know other people in the community.” 

Some people who attend have been sharing their skills such as crochet and knitting with others.

Jade, who is from Hackney, has been coming to the upcycling project since it began after hearing about it via the charity shop at Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army. She is unable to work due to chronic pain, which she has suffered from for many years. Jade sees the upcycling project as a good opportunity to get out of the house and is now starting to share her skills in knitting and crochet with other people who attend. 

Jade commented: “I have been coming to the clothing upcycling project since the beginning as I can crochet and knit but I wanted to learn more about sewing. Everyone here is friendly, and I look forward to coming every week as it’s also something that gets me out of the house, so I feel less isolated. 

“I like to be creative and have made tops and skirts for myself and even an outfit for my mum using the material and clothes available here. It’s a good way of saving money but still having nice things to wear. I have started volunteering to share my basic sewing skills. Eventually I would like to set up knitting and crochet workshops that I will lead. I would encourage people to come here, you feel really welcome and can learn new skills.” 

Another local resident, Dionne, who is learning to sew added: “I look forward to coming to the clothing upcycling project every week as it is good to learn new things. I am learning how to sew and have made friends here.”

Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army also has a school uniform bank providing clothing for children in primary and secondary schools in the area. The uniform bank is by referral only, and referrals can come directly from schools and other organisations that work with families in the borough. Anyone who would like to find out more about the process is welcome to contact Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army for details.

The church will offer a free alteration and repair workshop for school uniforms on 7 and 28 August from 10am – 12.30pm.

For more information on Hackney, Mare Street Salvation Army visit https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/cambridge-heath