SFW Stitch & Switch Socials
We ran our first Stitch & Switch event back in January, over at the Tobacco Factory Snug, in South Bristol.
After what was a bleak winter, full of constantly changing covid-19 restrictions, it felt wonderful to be able to coordinate an actual in-person event and have people who share common interests meet up and immerse themselves in the joy of clothing.
This event evolved off the back of the behaviour change research conducted by students at UWE. They found that 67% of respondents wanted to change their consumption habits, whilst 69% of people said that price was the main factor that prevented them from shopping sustainably and 65% of people want to know how to mend their clothing and care for clothes in a way that makes them last longer.
At the beginning of the year, we decided we wanted more face-to-face activity and community engagement in the run up to our flagship event in September. So, we decided to put on these Stitches & Switches (S&S), in the hope that we were addressing all of those issues above that were raised in the research findings – and igniting change in various Bristol communities.
Rose, from the Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust said that this event “it fitted in perfectly with our community sustainable action plan”.
The S&S is the complete opposite to conventional shopping. It’s a reminder that you don’t need money or skills to re-fresh your wardrobe. Just some old items of clothing, and a couple of hours to sit back and reconnect with your own style…
Anyone can come along with a piece of clothing to swap, or have repaired, or repair themselves in the company of others. We keep the event completely free (aside from pay-what-you-feel donations to our repairers who give up their valuable time).
What’s most exciting is that at every event the clothes are completely different, and we’ve noticed many happy returners following us around the city!
So far, we have been to The Tobacco Factory, The Bristol Folk House, Lockleaze Community Centre, and our next destination is Easton Community Centre (pop the 15th of July in your diary, reserve your place on YUUP if possible so we have an idea on numbers).
We have had many conversations with other venues beyond September too – so we are not about to stop this anytime soon!
As quoted in the report…
“it seems that for many, sustainable fashion is framed only as a purchase decision, something you can buy”…
we want to remove this stigma around sustainable fashion and make sure that everyone is able to make positive changes to their consumption habits – be it through swapping, up-cycling or mending.
Make sure you come along to our Stitches & Switches to be involved with this community of positive changemakers!