Have you ever just thrown away those old, ripped pair of jeans because you weren't gifted when it came to sewing or you just didn't have the right materials?
As we consume more fast fashion, throwing away clothes instead of repairing them has become more common.
But if you're looking to save money or salvage old clothes that you aren't quite ready to throw away yet, then one local design centre has started a new scheme that could breathe new life into your old clothes.
The Fashion and Textile Design Centre (FTDC), based in the city, are now offering people the chance to mend their loved and cherished items.
The centre, which opened in 2014, was established to honour the city's legacy with the shirt factory industry.
The monthly event usually takes place on the first Saturday of every month between 2pm and 5pm at 33 Shipquay Street.
Dierdre Williams, business development manager for FTDC, said the idea to run a repair cafe came before the pandemic but following almost two years of restrictions, the plan was put on the back burner.
Ms Williams said their first event in December was a "huge success" and she is now urging more people to get involved.
She told MyDerry : "We are based on Shipquay Street, and it's a really great facility. It gives people the chance to come and enjoy a really relaxed day. People can come with their loved items that they don't feel ready to give up on yet.
"They can repair their ripped jeans, old bags, their coats, and so much more. This scheme is for both males and females, and we have the facilities and the expertise to make sure that everybody leaves quite happy.
"It's great for the community as well because it allows people who want to come along and have a cup of tea the chance to come along and have a chat.
"We're always looking for volunteers to get involved as well, especially any of the old factory workers who still have the skills. They are more than welcome to come along and enjoy the day.
"When someone comes in and decides they'd like to take part, they can expect us, if needed, to help them and teach them what they have to do.
"We don't want to just repair the item for them, we want to teach them the skills that are required to do it again and again."
The textile-fashion enthusiast said sustainability was a "huge" ethos for the fashion and textile centre.
"Sustainability is key to the future, we believe," said Dierdre. "This whole throwing away culture is just something that has come to a head now.
"We're not big fans of fast fashion. That's not to say that people shouldn't buy themselves new clothes, but the message we're trying to send out is that people don't have to throw away their old clothes or items because they can be repaired and worn again.
"We want to teach people that it is OK not to be buying new all of the time. There are so many practices going on at the moment that promotes waste, and we are hoping to change attitudes."
If you would like to attend the Repair Cafe, organisers are asking people to register their interest at info@fashionanddesignhub.com.
