Sewing Workshops

Through the Easter holidays, we’ll be holding drop-in sewing workshops at The Settlement on Cardiff Road in Bargoed between the 14th and the 18th of April 10am till 4pm.

Make Do and Mend Alteration drop in

“Make Do and Mend”

Make do and mend was part of the WWII ethos, between rationing and lack of production everyone just had to make do. Trying to get the most out of everything they had. Patching trousers, darning socks, re-knitting old jumpers into something new, anything to make clothes last as long as possible!

Today, we can reinvent the Make Do and Mend mentality to suit our modern needs. Especially now, with cuts, price rises and austerity, make do and mend is making a comeback in a big way! Upcycling is the new fashionable way of making do, using really creative innovative techniques to revive old items!

For this drop in session, you are welcome to bring along any old item of clothing and learn the basics of altering and reviving old clothes. If you need to take in, let out, take up, patch repair or customise. The world is your oyster! Don’t worry if you think your sewing skills aren’t up to much, learn some basic skills while you’re here.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out my pinterest page on upcycling old tshirts here, for easy ideas!

Craftivism Workshop

What is Craftivism?!

CRAFT + ACTIVISM = CRAFTIVISM

“Craftivism is a way of looking at life where voicing opinions through creativity makes your voice stronger, your compassion deeper & your quest for justice more infinite. “

– Betsy Greer

Basically Craftivism is a way of raising awareness for a cause you feel strongly about, whether it be littering, cuts, social justice, or feminism – anything you care about.

For this workshop, I’m inviting the community of Bargoed and the Rhymney Valley to have a say on what you feel passionately about, whilst learning a new skill and having some fun! At the end of the Easter Holidays there will be an exhibition of some of the pieces of work we’ve made at The Settlement to show off the incredible work I’m sure will be produced and hopefully raise some money for charity.

If you would like to take part in the Craftivist workshop, some materials will be supplied, but if you would like to be more creative please bring along anything you wish to customise your piece.

For further inspiration on Craftivism, please have a look at my Pinterest page here. I also highly recommend having a look at the Craftivist Collective website here for more information.

More Info

Hopefully, there is something for everyone here! All ages and abilities are welcome to attend, and as its a drop in session you can stay for 5 minutes or 5 hours, its up to you.

There will be sewing machines available to use, although only a limited number so availability will be on a first come first serve basis. You can also bring along your own machine to use. There will also be a limited supply of haberdashery so if you require anything specific for your project please bring what you need, thread, pins etc…

To take part the cost will be £4 per person, £2.50 for children (under 16).  Refreshments will also be available, tea, coffee, cake etc…

If you’re interested please let me know, email katiecelf@gmail.com

The Settlement, 35 Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NZ (Near JJ’s Convenience Store)