PLEASE NOTE: The venue has changed to Holy Trinity Church Hall (Messy Hall) off Barbican Terrace, Barnstaple EX32 9HQ. what 3words ///craft.puzzle.zeal
“The Repair Cafe will provide a welcoming space for people to bring various items for mending; an opportunity to come together as a community, learn new skills, save money, and help save the planet - one punctured bike tyre or broken zipper at a time!” - PFND
Some things you may need to know:
If you want a lining or zip replaced please bring the specific material with you.
We can repair: broken teddy bears, attaching/changing buttons, holes in items of clothing fastenings, replacement linings, size adjustments and broken dog leads etc.
Please avoid bringing in anything that requires 'fancy alterations' (aka a wedding dress).
If you are unsure on whether to bring an item or not - please email info@plasticfreenorthdevon.org and we will run it by our sewing stars to see what we can do.
Donations are welcome, and tea, coffee and cakes will also be served!
We'd rather you didn't drop and run (unless you have to) - this event is about building community connection and sharing skills through our combined passion to bring back a 'make and mend' culture and reduce our reliance on fast fashion.
This initiative is being made possible by members of Plastic Free North Devon , and the many community volunteers that have chosen to jump in with us. We can’t wait to see what flourishes.
If you are interested in helping repair items please email suegilbert46@gmail.com.
If you are interested in helping with other non sewing things, please email claire@plasticfreenorthdevon.org.
More about our throw away society:
We live in a throw away society. But the truth is, there is no “away”. It’s more important than ever to reduce, reuse and recycle. Clothing and textiles account for 35% of global micro-plastics and the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. This is more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. At this pace, the fashion industry's greenhouse gas emissions will surge more than 50 % by 2030. Industry is not moving fast enough so we have to stimulate and drive this culture change from the bottom up.
Perhaps it’s that old jumper that’s got thumb-holes in the sleeves. Or maybe a retro jacket with broken zip. Whatever it is, bring your clothing along to the Braunton Repair Cafe at the Museum of British Surfing.
Our friendly, talented volunteers will be on hand to sew some much needed TLC into your well-loved gear. Stick around, have a cup of tea, watch and learn.