10 Week Course // Wednesdays, 6:30-9pm // Cost: £375 // Level: Beginner // Instructor: Cassandra Belanger Founder of The Stitchery, Co-Founder of Zero Waste Design Online and Founding Member of Sustainable Fashion Scotland // Location: 2-2, 50 Kent Road, Glasgow, G3 7EF
We all wear clothes, which means we all contribute to the consequences of the fashion industry on our planet and the people who make our clothes. The fashion industry has caused both environmental and social crises and many of us are now learning about the ways we can change our actions to ensure a better future. One of these solutions is by sewing, designing, and making zero waste garments.
“I learned so much that my mind melted at times. I loved every second and will definitely be playing more with the techniques and tools in the quest for a more sustainable and conscious approach to making. If you are even vaguely interested in zero waste approaches, sustainability or sewing I would highly recommend this course. You'll come away with a fresh perspective. And Cassandra is a great teacher!”
Student Testimonial, 2021
Image credits above to Danielle Elsener at Decode and Milan AV-JC
Led by Stitchery Founder Cassandra Belanger, this is a 10 week, in-depth introduction to creating a zero waste wardrobe. As research progresses, designers find new motivations for doing things differently, and as home sewers experiment, we are finding more and more ways in which we can change the status quo and implement minimal or zero waste garments into our wardrobe. Did you know that we waste 15 - 25% per each garment we make? This equates to 60 billion square metres of fabric annually in the fashion industry and this doesn’t include clothing made at home. Learning new ways of making clothes without making waste is vital for the future health of our planet.
Image showing approximately 15% waste from a cut garment. Credit Milan AV-JC
This course is a step-by-step guide on how to make a zero waste wardrobe. You will be introduced to different methods of making zero waste garments from using zero waste pattern masters developed by Danielle Elsener of Decode, the Make/Use system developed by Holly McQuillan, as well as how to work from zero waste indie sewing patterns, including Liz Haywood’s book Zero Waste Sewing. You will also be encouraged to explore reusing fabric from retired garments, sustainable fabric sources (like Bawn Textiles collection) or getting creative with fabric scraps.
The first half of each lesson will be focused on learning a new zero waste garment by making paper or quarter scale samples as well as specific sewing techniques for making zero waste garments and accessories. You will be taught how to minimise waste in conventional sewing pattern cutting layouts and how to recycle any waste that you do create, from the smallest scrap of fabric or length of thread. The second half will be a time where you can work from a zero waste sewing pattern of your choice and make a garment for yourself.
All body shapes and sizes welcome. We are a LGBTQI+ friendly and safe space. People of all genders, sizes, and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend this course.
The Stitchery operates under a business model of full transparency. If you have any questions about how we cost our courses and what the breakdown of costs is, please feel free to get in touch for more information.
Skill Level & Location
It’s recommended that you have a basic understanding of how to use a sewing machine, however if you are a new sewer and you’re interested in attending this class please get in touch to discuss options. Our classes are located in Sandyford, just next to The Mitchell Library. We have a sewing machine available for each student; although you can bring your own if you like. And don't worry if you might miss one or two classes: we've plenty of opportunities to catch up through our additional sewing sessions or private tuition.
Outcomes
A set of paper samples of different zero waste garments.
A zero waste garment made by you, to fit your body and in the fabric and style of your choice.
A sample book, made by you and full of the techniques you've learned as part of the course. Use this for future reference.
An understanding of how to make clothes that consider the impact on people and the planet.
An understanding of how to sew with zero waste.
Confidence in construction skills for sewing garments and accessories
A sustainable sewing community in Glasgow
Booking Your Place
To book your place on this course, please use our online booking system below. Please pay an initial deposit of £30. Once you’ve booked a place on the course we will get in touch to arrange the balance payment of £345. This is due no later than two weeks before the start of the course. Please familiarise yourself with our Terms & Conditions before making your booking.
You can pay by PayPal or any major debit/credit card. NOTE: You do not need a PayPal account to make a booking. Simply click on the link which says "pay with a debit or credit card". It looks like this. Please note that deposits are non-refundable. The deposit amount will be taken off the final payment of £345 for the course.
Instructor Cassandra Belanger is the Founder of The Stitchery and Co-Founder of Zero Waste Design Online. She is also a founding member of Sustainable Fashion Scotland. She graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2019 with a Masters in Fashion + Textiles with a focus on zero waste design. She is passionate about education around zero waste to both fashion and textiles design students and educators, as well as the home sewing community.
Due to COVID-19, You will now be required to bring your own sewing kit to class - scissors, pins, tape measure, seam ripper etc. If you don't have yet have a sewing kit you can purchase supplies at Bawn Textiles or we have a limited number of supplies we can lend you for the duration of the course.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions please have a look at our FAQs page. We also recommend reading the relevant page on our Student Resource Page, where you can find useful insights on the course structure and what supplies you'll need to bring to class (Note: If you don't see your course info up yet, don't panic, we'll have it up with enough time to get your supplies together before the course starts).
If you don't find your answer in either of these places, then please feel free to contact us.