Sip and Stitch Club

The environment

Our project supported the environment by encouraging the reuse and repair of textiles that would otherwise go to waste. Participants worked with both donated materials and their own unwanted clothing, helping to reduce textile waste through practical, hands-on action. All 8 participants who completed our feedback survey said they had learned new ways to repurpose or creatively reuse materials. This learning translated into real outcomes: participants reported repairing and altering clothes (including multiple pairs of trousers and shirts), creating new items such as tote bags, wallets and card holders, and transforming old or ill-fitting garments into wearable pieces again. Some also shared that they used these skills outside the sessions, repairing items for friends and family and sharing ideas for reuse. This shows the project not only reduced waste directly, but also helped embed more sustainable habits and attitudes into everyday life.

The local economy

Sip & Stitch supported the local economy by helping participants save money through repairing and reusing clothing, with one participant noting it “helps us save money, things have gotten expensive now.”

Volunteering, jobs & education

The project helped our small CIC to grow and brought in a new student volunteer, giving her valuable hands-on experience in a real community setting, helping her develop practical sewing and teaching, skills. The sessions themselves also had a strong educational element. Participants gained new sewing and upcycling skills, increased their confidence, and applied their learning both during and beyond the sessions.

Arts, culture & heritage

The project supported arts and culture by helping participants develop creativity through sewing, while promoting a culture of sustainability through repair, reuse, and shared skills.

Activity, health and leisure

Our project had a strong positive impact on participants’ mental health by providing a regular, supportive space for relaxation, creativity, and connection. Participants described the sessions as therapeutic and an important form of “me time”. One participant shared that, as a carer for someone with mental health issues, attending Sip & Stitch gives them much-needed time to focus on themselves and support their own wellbeing. The sessions also encouraged people to leave the house and engage in meaningful activity, with participants describing it as “an excuse to go out.” Being in “good company” with “like-minded people” created a sense of belonging.