Sewing Repair Skills @ East Lothian Libraries

Fixing for a Future started working with East Lothian Libraries a year ago, in January 2025. Since then, we've set up 4 volunteer-led, free, weekly sewing skills workshops at 4 East Lothian libraries - Haddington, Tranent, North Berwick and, most recently, Dunbar.

The focus of the workshops is on repair. People bring items they want to learn how to fix themselves and, with support and guidance from our talented 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.

Each of our volunteers brings a wealth of sewing knowledge and experience and, collectively, our team can help you fix pretty much anything!

Some feedback from our participants

"The volunteer team is 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"

Weekly groups run during term time at the following places and times:

Haddington Library - Mondays 4.30-6.30pm

North Berwick Library - Mondays 2.30-4.30pm

Tranent Library - Wednesdays 10.15am-12.15pm

Dunbar Library - Thursdays 9.30-11.30am

To express interest in any of our workshops, please go here:

https://forms.gle/jTFo6ycrfh7uu8Qj9

Volunteering Opportunities

If you'd like to join our Sewing Skills @ EL Libraries volunteer team, please email Rosie, fixingforafuture@gmail.com

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 loved it!"

"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"

“Sessions have been busy from the beginning...Holding the sessions in the library has a lovely community feel to it and the room we use has plenty of space and light...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!”