About This Event

Join us for a relaxed, hands-on upcycling workshop celebrating repair, creativity and sustainable fashion. This beginner-friendly session will introduce participants to visible mending and sashiko-inspired stitching techniques, showing how worn, torn or tired textiles can be transformed into unique pieces with care and creativity. Participants are welcome to bring their own clothing or textile items to mend. Alternatively, fabric samples will be provided so everyone can practise the techniques during the session, even if they do not have an item ready to repair. Who Should Attend? · Complete beginners who would like to try hand stitching · Anyone interested in upcycling, repair or sustainable fashion · People with a garment they would like to mend or refresh · Students, creatives and fashion enthusiasts · Anyone curious about visible mending and slow, mindful making No previous sewing or embroidery experience is required. The workshop is welcoming, practical and designed for all confidence levels. Limited Places Available. Only 20 tickets are available. Due to the interactive nature of the workshop, spaces are strictly limited. Early booking is strongly recommended to avoid missing out. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are £5 per person, with proceeds donated directly to Oxfam. supporting its work to tackle poverty and inequality around the world. What You’ll Experience During the workshop, participants will be introduced to simple visible mending approaches, with a focus on sashiko-inspired techniques. Sashiko is a traditional Japanese stitching method based on repeated running stitches, often used to strengthen fabric while creating decorative patterns. Participants will: · Learn how visible mending can extend the life of clothing and reduce textile waste · Explore simple sashiko-inspired running stitches and geometric patterns · Practise stitching on fabric samples or begin repairing a garment they have brought with them · Experiment with patches, thread colours and placement to turn repair into a design feature · Leave with practical skills and confidence to continue mending at home What to Bring · A small garment or textile item you would like to mend, such as denim, cotton or linen · Items with small holes, worn areas, frayed edges or visible signs of wear work well · If you do not have an item to bring, fabric samples will be provided · All basic materials and equipment for the activity will be available during the workshop Why Attend? · Learn a simple, creative way to repair and personalise clothing · Discover how mending can become part of the design rather than something to hide · Build confidence with hand stitching in a supportive setting · Take part in a mindful, slow fashion activity · Support more sustainable approaches to clothing and textile use Accessibility Information We want everyone to feel welcome and able to participate fully in this event. The venue offers: · Step-free access to the event space via lift · Step-free access to toilet facilities · An accessible toilet on site · A designated quiet space available throughout the event Travel and Parking · Free parking (up to 4hours) · Blue Badge parking is available at Manchester Fort Retail Park. · The Oxfam Superstore is approximately a two-minute walk from the nearest bus stop. · Buses operating on Manchester's Bee Network meet legal accessibility requirements. Sensory Information Please note: · The event space is brightly lit. · There may be background noise from conversations and the nearby café. · Earplugs and noise-reducing headphones are welcome. · A quiet space is available should you need a break. · There will be a five-minute access break before the styling competition begins. · Participants are welcome to stand, stretch, move around or take breaks whenever needed. Refreshments and Allergies The café will be open throughout the event, serving drinks and snacks. If you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, please speak directly to café staff before purchasing refreshments. Accessibility Contact If you have any questions about accessibility before the event, please contact: Neve Carnes Volunteer Resourcing and Engagement Coordinator Email: ncarnes1@oxfam.org.uk Telephone: 0161 641 3950

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