Knowsley Residents Came Together to Reduce Isolation and Promote Sustainability Through Free Creative Workshops
Make CIC is delighted to announce the successful completion of its Textile Transformations: Crafting Community and Sustainability project, funded by a grant from Merseyside Waste & Recycling Authority (MWRA). The initiative brought people together through a series of free creative workshops that promoted sustainability by repurposing recycled textiles. The workshops, held at Make on the Corner in Huyton Village, were delivered in partnership with Roberts Recycling, with sessions run by local practitioners Pyromancy Productions CIC, Buy By Bethan, and Sustainable Starts CIC.
A Creative Solution to Waste and Isolation
The Textile Transformations project combined community, creativity, and sustainability. With textiles donated by Roberts Recycling, Make CIC hosted three interactive workshops where participants repurposed old fabrics into new, meaningful creations.
The sessions were designed to support individuals in Knowsley experiencing isolation, including carers, single parents, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities. Participants gained hands-on experience in basic costume construction, clothes upcycling, and furniture restoration while making new social connections and developing practical skills.
“Thanks to the generous support of MWRA, we were able to offer these workshops for free,” said Mia Tagg from Make CIC. “It was fantastic to see participants come together, reduce textile waste, and create something truly special. We hope these sessions have sparked lasting change across our community.”
“At Roberts Recycling, we are passionate about keeping textiles out of landfill and finding creative ways to give them a second life. Partnering with Make CIC through Textile Transformations allowed us to promote sustainability while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. These workshops were a fantastic way to bring people together, reduce waste, and demonstrate the power of collaboration,” said Paul Roberts, Director at Roberts Recycling.
Supporting the Community
Each of the three workshops provided 15 participants with a supportive and welcoming environment, fostering connections while equipping them with valuable skills in textile reuse and upcycling. At the end of each session, attendees could take their creations home, with the option to showcase them at the closing event in February. Additionally, the workshops supported seven local creatives and businesses from Knowsley and Liverpool, offering them a platform to share their expertise by leading the sessions.
Workshop Highlights
Held at Make on the Corner in Huyton Village, the workshops explored various aspects of textile transformation using donated materials from Roberts Recycling. In the costume construction session, participants crafted unique headpieces and skirts or tutus from recycled fabrics. The clothes upcycling session allowed them to refresh garments through patching, painting, sewing, and embellishing. Finally, in the furniture upcycling session, they learned to create and decorate cushion covers using reclaimed textiles, adding a sustainable touch to home decor.
A Celebration to Mark the Success
To celebrate the creativity and achievements of the participants, Make is hosting a private event that will take place on Thursday, 27th February 2025. This event will showcase the incredible work produced during the workshops and provide an opportunity for participants, facilitators, and community members to reflect on the impact of the project. For members of the public, Make on the Corner will be open on Friday, 28th February 2025, offering a chance to view the pieces created and chat with Make about the project.
Looking Ahead
This initiative is just the beginning of what Make CIC envisions as a long-term effort to reduce textile waste while fostering community connections and supporting local entrepreneurship. The success of these workshops has demonstrated the power of creative engagement in promoting sustainability and social cohesion.
For more information about the exhibition event or future projects, contact Mia Tagg at mia.tagg@makecic.org.
