Stitched Up have the pleasure of facilitating weekly sewing sessions at the Booth Centre – a day centre for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This amazing place supports adults back into housing and beyond. Sewing is just one of the activities and classes they offer. Others include art, opera, theatre, yoga, English and a philosophy discussion group.
In the sewing sessions we work on developing each individual’s skills and self confidence, while creating clothing and other textile items.
Over the past few months we’ve been working on a fashion collection, based on the theme of ‘taking flight’ using imagery of feathers, wings and birds. The clothes incorporate hand embroidery and applique and have mainly been made from recycled materials.
The collection includes kimono jackets, t-shirts, trousers, braces and a magnificent cape! All handmade by members of the group. Some pieces have been made collaboratively, others are entirely the work of one person.
Last week, we showcased the collection at Home, alongside another Booth Centre art exhibition called ‘Arrival’. We had a super glam roofgarden photoshoot, with some of the group modelling the clothes and striking a few poses for the camera.
We were blown away by everyone’s creative vision on this project, and the way they dived straight into some really quite complicated construction techniques. It was a few month’s hard labour, but the results speak for themselves. The group have created a really cohesive and striking collection. We couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve achieved. Massive well done to everyone!
Have a peep at all the photos on our Flikr page
Huge thanks to Matt Priestly for the photos, Home for the venue and of course to the Booth Centre.
