#PatchworkCrediton: bags for community
Mid Devon District Council and HM Government’s Levelling Up Fund are funding a partnership project by Sustainable Crediton and Significant Seams. This creative project aims to support small independent businesses to have an alternate ‘Bag for Life’ scheme: local residents will be engaged in making patchwork #bagsforcommunity.
We share a concern for the impact of both textile and plastic industries on our environment and climate. The textile industry, particularly through clothing, is responsible for more than 10% of greenhouse gases and the UK creates the fourth highest amount of textile waste in the European region.
Through this project Significant Seams will be working with Sustainable Crediton to revitalise the local volunteer network interested in textiles and craft. Find out more about volunteering or send information to a friend HERE.
The ‘Patchwork Crediton’ project will use Significant Seams equipment (and know-how) and the eco-hub and environmentally engaged network of Sustainable Crediton, to invite a wide cross section of community members to print distinctive fabric patches celebrating our town and then, make patchwork tote bags from reclaimed fabrics, including these patches.
The project partners hope these ‘bags for community’ will support the High Street merchants, promote the High Street of Crediton and Crediton generally, and bring people to activities in the centre of Crediton, contributing to the vibrancy of the town not only for commerce, but for connections.
Claire Johnstone, the chair of the Hub Pilot working group from Sustainable Crediton says, “This project will bring communities in Crediton together in a fun and rewarding activity, helping people learn new skills and understanding how we can all take small steps to increase the sustainability of our textiles.”
#PatchworkCrediton is inviting:
- bookings for a three-session workshop on Mondays in October
- expressions of interest from volunteers who could support events, make bags, or share skills to help others make bags.
- Anyone in the community to attend a drop in event the first Saturday of each month.
The workshops are free, but donations are welcome. Patchwork bags made by volunteers will be sold to help keep the Sustainable Crediton textile re-use group social, active and fun.
The project has been made possible by Mid Devon District Council’s Vibrant Town Centre Fund, a Levelling Up grant from HM Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Match funding from the League of Friends of Crediton Hospital will support some of the artist costs of workshop sessions for more vulnerable people.
Read about other Significant Seams projects.
Read about the artistic lead Catherine West.
