Fixing for a Future @ East Lothian Libraries

Fixing for a Future delivers projects across East Lothian. We have a Tool Library in East Linton and run regular Repair Cafés. We also run sewing skills workshops at secondary schools and for communities. We offer advice and support to any group wanting to set up a Tool Library or Repair Café. Our aims are to promote the circular economy, enable an increase in skills to repair belongings and encourage an ethos of reducing consumption, waste to landfill and CO2 emissions.

Our most recent project, Fixing for a Future @ East Lothian Libraries, started in January this year. We run volunteer-led, free, weekly sewing skills workshops at two East Lothian libraries - Haddington and Tranent. In September we’ll start in North Berwick and by next year we aim to be running workshops at 6 libraries across East Lothian. The focus of the workshops is on repair so people bring items they want to learn how to fix themselves and, with support and guidance from our volunteers, they gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to do so. Sometimes people have sewing machines they’ve never used and just need a little help to get started, or they’ve embarked on a repair project and got stuck. Our volunteers can suggest solutions to an array of sewing challenges. Since we started 6 months ago 186 people have signed up!

The idea for the workshops was sparked when the Principal Officer of East Lothian Libraries asked if Fixing for a Future might be able to deliver eco-related workshops on a regular basis to make use of currently under-used library spaces, encourage more visitors and help the libraries promote an environmental ethos. As libraries are increasingly at risk of reduced opening hours and, in some cases, closure, we were delighted to get involved, particularly since libraries represent key aspects of the circular economy that we work to promote; namely, reusing and borrowing.

We knew, from the number of textile and clothing items being brought to our Repair Café and the popularity of our ‘Against Fast Fashion!’ sewing skills workshops at East Lothian secondary schools, that sewing skills are in demand, so we decided to run a six-month pilot project, introducing weekly sewing skills workshops to two East Lothian libraries. What we couldn’t have predicted was the immediate and overwhelmingly positive response we would get to an initial post on Facebook to recruit volunteers - “Do you have a bit of spare time and some sewing skills you’d like to share with your community? Why not become a Fixing for a Future volunteer at your local library?” - Within a week we had a team to cover the two libraries! We organised a meet-up and induction for the volunteers, with lots of discussion on how best to run the groups, any potential challenges, plus skill sharing between our new volunteers. Each person brings a wealth of sewing knowledge and experience and at that first meeting it became clear that, collectively, our volunteer team could fix anything!

Participants are asked to complete a short feedback form at the end of each workshop. The comments we’ve gathered demonstrate that this kind of project is needed for a variety of reasons. Yes, the sewing skills matter - for saving money, for improving knowledge, for helping reduce waste going to landfill - but just as important is the social aspect and the confidence-building. People want to learn repair skills and they want to do it together in a welcoming, calming, safe, free, communal space where they can share stories and build friendships; ideally, in a library! The library staff and volunteers now know each other and everyone works together to provide this really valuable, meaningful experience - for all of us! And there’s more…

It feels sustainable! Another great beauty of this project is that, money-wise, it costs so little. The volunteers give their time, energy and skills for free and the coordination by Fixing for a Future is minimal. We have a WhatsApp group for each library volunteer team, run volunteer inductions and meet-ups as needed and take the bookings for each workshop, but the workshops themselves are entirely volunteer-led. Our volunteers and participants could not be more committed and enthusiastic. It’s motivating, full of hope and a reminder that, when like-minded people get together, simple and low-cost ideas can bring about exceptional things!

Here’s some feedback from our volunteers:

“I tend to use things until they are completely done so mending and re-purposing is right up my street.  And I like to help people and feel useful...I've loved it. Initially it was daunting to meet the other volunteers, as they all seemed so much more experienced than me but I find the constant support from Fixing for a Future is wonderful.  I have learnt a lot of sewing skills. I have met some lovely people. It's been so rewarding. Once participants have grown in confidence they then are looking to do alterations - taking in trouser legs, replacing broken zips in cushion covers, making bags out of old curtains, making bibs for their babies out of a piece of cloth - all repurposing and repairing”

“Sessions have been busy from the beginning, suggesting the need was there. As volunteers we discovered that we all have different skills and as a group we have been able to pull those skills together and learn from each other. Holding the sessions in the library has a lovely community feel to it and the room we use has plenty of space and light. I feel that we have already helped so many people. We have covered everything from learning to thread a machine to finishing a garment that has been sitting in a cupboard for twenty years. Alterations are particularly satisfying as the items were most likely about to be thrown away”

“It feels very worthwhile to be contributing to this project, and makes all the volunteers feel really good at the end of the sessions, when we discuss what we've achieved. We are all learning new skills and techniques from each other (and Google at times!). The time at the group flies by, and it's a really nice atmosphere, with a cuppa and some lively chat as well”

“Some of the repairs have made a big difference to the participants - making jeans wearable, fixing holes in pockets so the door key doesn't fall through to the lining, fixing a zip in a pair of school trousers so they got through to the end of the term.  All of these minor repairs have extended the life of garments”

“It's lovely that people can come back as and when they need to, because the group is so approachable, and the participants know that between us we will come up with a solution to their mending and sewing puzzles. Many of the participants are saying that they didn't learn basic sewing skills at school and had no idea where to start, so the group is providing a valuable opportunity for people to gain the skills, and hopefully pass on to future generations as well”

“I love that garments which have been at the bottom of the wardrobe, often for years, are being brought to the group to have zips replaced, holes mended, hems turned up, and are now being worn again!  Encouraging garment repair and reuse means fewer new garments being purchased, and fewer items going into landfill!  All good!”

And some feedback from our participants

"The ladies are very helpful and friendly. I felt very relaxed and not afraid to ask questions"

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity of company and support with my sewing"

"The social aspect is amazing. Very friendly people and the volunteers are so supportive and encouraging"

"Fab! I learned loading a front loading bobbin, threading the machine and using different settings. Lovely atmosphere, great advice and encouragement"

"I learned how to do things with my sewing machine! Loved it! So helpful!”