The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. But Samantha Fay and Bridget Allen are doing their bit to reduce its impacts through Stitch-o-Mat, a community service that helps people improve their sewing skills – and provides a hands-on way to recycle fabric and develop creativity.

In New Brighton, Christchurch, sewing machines are available for people to use for their own sewing projects or to sew for a community project. People pop in, work away and learn new skills. An important co-benefit is the development of a sense of community and support for one another.

As Samantha explains, a great choice we can make in terms of minimising harm to the environment is to repair our clothes. By learning to sew and learning to repair people can then make more sustainable choices in their fashion consumption.

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