An independent sustainable fashion store has opened in Stretford Mall.
Stitched Up offers sewing and stitching classes, upcycling workshops and sells lots of sustainable sewing supplies; including vintage fabrics and reclaimed textiles.
Those behind the pop-up shop want to inspire the community to take action against fast fashion and discover alternative, more sustainable clothing.
The new shop opened at the Mall on Saturday October 24 and is the brain child of a group of women from Chorlton, who have a shared passion for social and environmental issues in the clothing industry.
Workshops include short sessions like ‘Zero to Hero – Learn to Sew in a Day’ and three-week garment making courses, and are bookable in advance only here: https://stitchedup.coop/workshops/.
The shop and workshops have been made COVID secure, with smaller workshops going ahead with limited numbers and space for social distancing.
Stretford and its Mall are currently the subject of a public consultation as part of plans by developers Bruntwood Works and Trafford council to transform the area.
Residents’ feedback from the first stage of consultation highlighted a wish for more independent local businesses in the area.
Bruntwood Works said they are interested in collaborating with independent businesses, like Stitched Up, looking for fresh opportunities in the neighbourhood.
Bryony Moore from Stitched Up said: “Our popup clothing hub aims to empower the community to reuse, repair and upcycle their clothes, as well as learn more about the fashion industry – why it needs to change and what they can do about it.
“We want to get fully immersed in the Stretford community and will be offering volunteer opportunities and holiday clubs for young sustainable fashion fans. We have a vision for the future of fashion which values uniqueness, creativity, wellbeing, natural resources and the longevity and creative reuse of clothing and materials.
“We can’t wait to join the Stretford community, and think it’s the perfect place to popup and offer a real alternative to mass-produced fast-fashion on the high street!”
James Tootle, senior retail and leisure manager at Bruntwood Works, said: “Stitched Up is a great example of how local, independent, community- focused enterprise, can enhance the high street. We want to develop a thriving, sustainable and creative community of business and services here in Stretford – and to offer residents a diverse mix of experiences from their local town centre.
“Innovators like Stitched Up capture these ambitions perfectly and we know they will be a great new addition to the neighbourhood.”
Stitched Up will be operating from Unit 40 at the Mall, and their reclaimed fabrics shop will be open for browsing 12-5pm Wednesday to Saturday.
For more information on the Stretford area public consultation and to see proposed changes for the Stretford area, click here.
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