Kate Strachan is coming to Worthing Museum to teach a course in Upcycled Fashion.
Her workshops aim to inspire and educate people on reusing old garments to create new ones. In recent years, upcycling has been a huge surge towards a life of sustainability for many people, whether in the form of giving a new lease to old clothes or transforming charity shop buys to make something new.
Whether you’re interested in creating a whole new wardrobe or just want to resize some old items, Kate Strachan is here to show you how to do it.
Tell us a bit about the workshop
This course is suitable for both beginners and regular sewers. I’ll help students with initial ideas to design and plan their sewing project, provide tuition in basic machine and hand sewing techniques, support with re-design, re-construction or adapting fit of garments and ideas for decorative repairs and embellishments. They can use fabric from one item to make another, create a personally-fitted garment from a fabulous vintage find, or simply turn some favourite old trousers into a beach bag!
What inspired you to begin teaching people?
Initially by being taught by inspiring tutors myself; also both my parents were art teachers and I saw how much they benefited from interacting with students. Being an artist can be quite a solitary activity so teaching is a way I can connect with and be inspired by other creative people. Plus, I’m passionate about making creativity accessible and possible!
How long have you been doing it?
I’ve been teaching or running workshops alongside my art practice for over 20 years, ranging from residencies in Sussex primary schools, Samesky Community Arts, Phoenix Art Space and Northbrook College.
What are the benefits of upcycling?
Buying less and upcycling garments from your existing wardrobe, and finding a way of repurposing something you love but don’t fit or wear anymore. Using beautiful vintage fabrics again, as well as finding lovely garments that don’t fit in a charity shop and knowing you can make it into something that does!
What do you hope your audience will take away from the workshop?
Something lovely to wear or use, plus increased confidence in their own creative ideas and ability.
What is your favourite part about upcycling?
Playing a small part in saving the planet from a mountain of textile waste!
To create something unique/wearable/usable that otherwise may have gone to landfill and repurposing a loved old garment that doesn’t fit or work anymore into a new cherished item.
This workshop includes two-hour, weekly sessions over four consecutive weeks:
Sat 11th Feb, 2-4pm
Sat 18th Feb, 2-4pm
Sat 25th Feb, 2-4pm
Sat 4th Mar, 2-4pm.