An exciting new project making bags from recycled fabric to celebrate our community will start next month. The #PatchworkCrediton project is inviting local people to join a series of free workshops where they will print fabric patches and turn them into tote bags. The aim is to encourage recycling through creativity and teach new skills in a fun and supportive environment.
#PatchworkCrediton is being led by local arts organisation Significant Seams, in partnership with Sustainable Crediton. Both organisations are concerned about the impact of the textile and plastic industries on our environment and climate.
The textile industry is responsible for more than 10% of greenhouse gases and the UK creates the fourth highest amount of textile waste in the European region says Significant Seams director, Catherine West. This project will prevent fabric from going to landfill. We will find inspiration from fabric and our beautiful county and make tote bags for community.
Significant Seams is a specialist art for health organisation, based at Knowle, near Crediton, working across Devon and beyond, using textile art and creativity to strengthen communities and people at vulnerable times in their lives.
The free #PatchworkCrediton workshops will take place during October at Sustainable Crediton’s new Eco Hub, based in the former Town Council offices in the town square. Significant Seams will supply the tutor, sewing machines and all the kit you need.
Participants will be invited to print distinctive fabric patches, celebrating our town, and then make patchwork tote bags from reclaimed fabrics, including these patches.
Obviously, everyone will make a bag for themselves, but we will also be gearing up for a community project to make bags that Sustainable Crediton can sell to help fundraise for further community wellbeing and environmental initiatives, explains Catherine.
This project will bring communities in Crediton together in a fun and rewarding activity, helping people learn new skills and understanding how we can all take small steps to increase the sustainability of our textiles, says Claire Johnstone, Chair of Sustainable Crediton’s Eco Hub Pilot working group.
There will be three bookable workshops on Monday 2, 9 and 16 October from 9.30am to 12 noon. You can book your place here.
If you are able to volunteer your time and skills to support this project please get in touch at catherine@significantseams.org.uk
The project has been made possible by Mid Devon District Council’s Vibrant Town Centre Fund, a Levelling Up grant from HM Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Match funding from the League of Friends of Crediton Hospital will support some of the artist costs to run workshops for more vulnerable people.
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