A Sustainable Clothing Hub has Popped Up in Stretford Mall!

Old-timers and true green leaders Stitched Up have been running their sustainable clothing hub in Chorlton since way back when.

This month, they’ve brought their programme of workshops and activities to Stretford Mall for us lucky Mancs!

The sustainable fashion focused social enterprise are true leaders in their craft. Since 2014, members of the public have had access to a vast selection of workshops and events which provide skills and tips towards a greener future from their space in Chorlton.

The gals down at Stitched Up provide expert skills in sewing, mending, upcycling and even host a monthly clothes swap and repair cafe.

The sustainable fashion hub pop-up at Stretford Mall aims to inspire the local community to take action on fast fashion and discover an alternative, more sustainable way of life around clothing – without compromising on style.

Each year in the UK an estimated 1.14 million tonnes of clothes are supplied onto the UK market, and we discard an estimated 1.13 million tonnes (!!). So swapping, reusing, repurposing and repairing our clothes is certainly one way we can do our part to help.

So, what can we expect from the pop-up?

Well, the gals will host sewing and stitching classes, upcycling workshops and will have a huuuuge offering of sustainable sewing supplies available for purchase (including vintage textiles and reclaimed fabrics rescued from landfill).

The Covid-safe workshops range from day-long sessions like ‘Zero to Hero – Learn to Sew in a Day’ to three-week garment making courses, and are by advance booking only.

Stitched Up’s vision of the future of fashion is one that values uniqueness, creativity, wellbeing, natural resources and the longevity and creative reuse of clothing and materials. The pop-up is fighting back and aims to offer a real alternative to mass-produced fast-fashion, something that Manchester is unfortunately famed for.

The innovative and exciting addition to the Stretford neighbourhood will be welcomed by many, including many of the town’s independently owned businesses.

Organisations like Stitched Up are a key part of the vision for the future of Stretford, as feedback from the community has so far had a strong focus on bringing more independent shops and hospitality businesses to the area.

Stretford is currently undergoing public consultation as part of exciting plans by Bruntwood Works and Trafford Council to transform the area. Residents’ feedback has been used to shape a set of ideas and proposals for an exciting new chapter for Stretford. which have been presented via a specially constructed website, www.futurestretford.co.uk.

James Tootle, Senior Retail and Leisure Manager at Bruntwood Works commented:
“Stitched Up is a great example of how local, independent, community- focused enterprise, can enhance the high street. We want to develop a thriving, sustainable and creative community of business and services here in Stretford – and to offer residents a diverse mix of experiences from their local town centre. Innovators like Stitched Up capture these ambitions perfectly and we know they will be a great new addition to the neighbourhood”

Bryony Moore from Stitched Up commented:
“Our popup clothing hub aims to empower the community to reuse, repair and upcycle their clothes, as well as learn more about the fashion industry – why it needs to change and what they can do about it. We want to get fully immersed in the Stretford community and will be offering volunteer opportunities and holiday clubs for young sustainable fashion fans. We have a vision for the future of fashion which values uniqueness, creativity, wellbeing, natural resources and the longevity and creative reuse of clothing and materials. We can’t wait to join the Stretford community, and think it’s the perfect place to popup and offer a real alternative to mass-produced fast-fashion on the high street!”