New affordable sewing classes are coming to Macclesfield. 

Macclesfield Indoor Market stall Modern Woolfare have teamed up with a Macclesfield good cause - also in the Indoor Market - to offer the lessons.

Brian Painter of Modern Woolfare has joined forces with ONE Project Macclesfield to provide two sewing sessions per week, and you won't believe the price. 

Modern Woolfare's Brian Painter explained how and why it came to be: 

Booking is required by email or SMS as per the poster. (Image - Modern Woolfare)

"ONE Project [Macclesfield] have been very supportive of me since I moved in," said Brian.

They often get donated lots of material and clothing that comes in damages or is too good to go to landfill, so can be reused by the community.

"One of the big restricting factors for people to get into sewing is that they don't have space for a sewing machine,  they don't know how to use one, or they can't afford it. 

"So I've invested money into a purpose-built sewing workshop here at Modern Woolfare.

Modern Woolfare is one of the newer editions to Macclesfield Indoor Market. They will celebrate their first anniversary in July. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"We can have six people in at any time. We are going to host one workshop on a Monday and one on a Wednesday. 

"On a Monday will be 'Restitch' where can come in, use the sewing machine and learn how to repair garments. Materials are supplied for that. 

"And then on Wednesday we have 'Crafternoon' where if you don't have access to a sewing machine you can come down, access to my materials,  expertise and all the equipment as well.

"Monday is for repairing your clothes, and Wednesday you can be as creative as you like. 

Brian hard at work on the sewing kit. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I've chosen to price it at £10 so it is accessible to the community. 

"That covers my costs, and half of the profits go straight to the ONE Project so they can do things for the community too."

Both the Monday and Wednesday sewing sessions are from 12pm-4pm

ONE Project Macclesfield's Martin Handley explained in his words how the collaboration came to be. 

Some of the garments that ONE Project have collated together to be used in Brian's new classes.

"We wanted to upcycle bits of clothing that aren't too good for our shop floor," said Martin.

"So Brian came up with the idea to allow people to choose from the rail of undesirable items to sew and do what we want with."

"We are very grateful for our donations every day, but there are some items we can't sell. So to have found a new use for them is perfect."

"It feels amazing to have found a new purpose for them. Recycling is not always the way forward, but it has to be at the moment. Upcycling is definitely the way forward."

ONE Project is a charity shop and charity which does good around Macclesfield, particuarly with an environmental-skew. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"I think it is one of those skills that are like riding a bike, if you do learn it, you will always have that talent then." 

Modern Woolfare is already known for selling top quality handmade woolen garments, and now wants to be known for sewing.

"I taught myself to sew in lockdown," added Brian.

"I got my first sewing kit from a charity shop but very quickly moved onto the industrial machines."

Know someone who would like to learn to sew? Why not share them this article? (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Brian had this to say as to why he thinks more Maxonians should pick up the needle and learn to sew. 

"There are so many things going to landfill," he explained.

"And sewing is a skill that is no longer taught in schools. 

"But it's something if we all knew you could save yourself throwing clothes away needlessly, or if there is some clothes you really wanted you could make it yourself." 

Sew it goes: Click the red links on this article to find out more. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield: Click HERE to follow and contact Modern Woolfare on Facebook.

Modern Woolfare is also a shop which sells handmade clothing. You can learn more about Modern Woolfare by clicking HERE.