Repairing and mending in Cheetham Hill

In Our Nature, a partnership programme led by Manchester Climate Change Agency teamed up with Stitched Up to deliver a series of sewing workshops for community groups in Cheetham Hill.

Four sewing workshops were delievered to ladies that regularly attend the women’s group at the Wai Yin Welcome Center to teach a range of repair techniques, from creative visible mending to understanding the basic mechanics of a sewing machine, providing participants with the knowledge and confidence to keep their clothes lasting for longer and to share these skills with the wider community.  

Not only did the workshops increase participants knowledge and interest in mending clothing, but it also brought the community together. People from different walks of life got to know each other and learn from one another, leading to community cohesion.

Learning new skills at the sewing workshop

Following on from the initial workshops, participants highlighted that they wanted to continue with the sessions. In partnership with the team at the Wai Yin Welcome Centre, In Our Nature delivered a 10-week sewing machine workshop course that was supported by funding from the Neighbourhood Investment Fund.

These workshops helped participants to build their confidence around sewing. Participants highlighted that these workshops were safe spaces where they could meet other people, share knowledge and tips, and ultimately feel better.

“It’s given me the confidence to just give it a go. It was the starting that I always found daunting, but I don’t have that now. I wouldn’t say I’m a professional, but I feel confident to get going” Sharon Thomas, New Testament Church of God.