Always looking for new and exciting ways for residents to come together, particularly when it involves fun, imaginative activities, Swaythling Housing organised a series of recycle and sew workshops.

Residents at Leslie Loaders Court in Eastleigh were joined by experts from YZER Recycle and Sew, who were on-hand to give advice on alterations and repairs, and offer guidance on how to use the sewing machines. The workshops were the perfect opportunity for people to chat and get to know each other, and as well as being a great social event, were a chance for residents to channel their creativity into making new or fixing old clothing or interior items.

Since the ever-growing popularity and success of these workshops, the recycle and sew project has been rolled out across other venues in Hampshire and Wiltshire. The aim was to encourage residents to donate their old clothing and materials, which people could recycle into brand new goodies.

With the masses of fabric which people generously brought along, residents were eagerly making attractive home furnishing and brand new clothes for themselves or others to wear. Some people brought clothes with them that just didn’t fit anymore, but with a few stitches and slight alternations, were given a new lease of life.

A real buzz was generated around the workshops, which were advertised in the local resident magazine, Swaythlink, as well as on posters and flyers that were distributed throughout sheltered schemes. Scheme wardens also asked residents to attend, and word spread through various panels, associations and boards.

YZER Recycle and Sew work with local community groups on re-using and sewing materials, developing design and resourceful skills. All sorts of exciting things were being made from peg bags to cushion covers, curtain tie-backs to full-chair overlays; unflattering and unsuitable clothing were being transformed into sparkling new wardrobe additions. Once residents attend the session at their own sheltered scheme they are invited to book a place on the next workshop at further schemes, opening up a whole host of opportunities to learn new skills and meet other people.

Since the project began, over 50 people have been involved, and there have been some really positive outcomes for local residents. One resident who suffered from a stroke last year has since joined Swaythling’s disability panel and found the courage to take up bowls for the disabled, something she admits she would never have been able to do without the Recycle and Sew scheme. Many tenants, who are recovering from operations or illness, were struggling to get into their clothes, but with assistance from Recycle and Sew, and other group members, have been able to alter their favourite garments to sit comfortably and fit well again.

Although the project was mainly targeted at those above the age of 55, Swaythling are keen to use its success to integrate different age groups and open the project up to all residents. Currently they are also discussing running parent and child classes, plus the possibility of opening a one-stop sewing shop where a variety of workshops and training events can be hosted.