Sewing Circle Workshops

After using the campus makerspaces in the Boyle Library and HELIX to create household items and alter some thrifted finds, I thought others might be interested in doing the same. Both makerspaces were opened in 2023-2024 and while they were well marketed to computer-based users, they offered other tools to those interested in textiles and clothing. Realizing that many people may not know of the makerspaces, I developed several goals for my application for an EDI Award. Goals included increasing the awareness of, the resources in the Makerspace (they offered machines and tools for sewing, embroidery, leather working, knitting, and crochet) and of, Leeds SCRAP Centre of Creative Use (they rescue many materials, including beautiful fabrics, from landfill and sell them at affordable prices). I wanted to develop participants sewing/mending skills in the wake of the climate and cost-of-living crises.

Susan, the EDI Project Officer in FAHC, shared that they already had an excellent relationship with Rainbow Junktion, who saves food from being wasted and offers it to people in need. This seemed a natural match and we worked to find a project that students could complete in a short time, using materials from SCRAP, and that would aid Rainbow Junktion.

We decided on drawstring bags that people could use to pack supplies from the foodbank. I scheduled three sessions where I would teach students to use the sewing machines to make bags in the Boyle Makerspace. Each was well attended, and everyone seemed very excited to be in the Makerspace and learn to sew. Many immediately saw ways to use the sewing machines for their own projects and enjoyed the fabric supplies from SCRAP. We completed 35 bags to share with Rainbow Junktion and Susan saw that they were delivered. Overall, it was extremely satisfying to connect Leeds students with sustainable and affordable resources while creating a useful tool for others to use.

Monica Stenzel, PGR in History of Science

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