Volunteers give clothes a new lease of life

Published 17 September 2024 More in

“Whoever buys them will be getting an absolute bargain.”

What if, rather than missing out on the opportunity to sell quality items of pre-loved clothing because they were slightly damaged, there was a way of breathing new life into them, increasing their value and transforming them into ‘new’ premium products?

And, what if, you could engage a network of willing and skilled volunteers from the local community who not only enjoyed the creative challenge, but also benefitted from it?

Well, thanks to the innovative idea of two volunteers at the St Christopher’s Crystal Palace shop, this potentially intangible dream will become a reality this month.

Jessica Wenban-Smith and her colleague Penny Wolverson, along with their close-knit community of local craftswomen (they are keen to recruit some men) have revitalised more than 50 items – ready to go on sale on a special rail in the shop on Westow Street for Sustainable Fashion Week on 20 September.

“Penny and I both became aware when volunteering in the shop that some really fantastic clothes are donated but just can’t be sold as they are damaged in some way – whether that’s with a stain, a small rip or moth hole.”

“If I had a vision for the future, it would be that in 10 years the mending economy will be mainstream.”

“We both agreed we could mend things and talked about how visible mends are a badge of sustainable honour – showing that clothes can have a new life, and replacing fast fashion with the circular economy.”

This shared lightbulb moment inspired Jessica to write a proposal for what is now about to actually happen and has become known as Palace Mends.

“I tested the water with some people who I thought might be interested in helping first and got a very warm response and then St Christopher’s came totally on board too.

“We’ve had 67 garments selected by volunteers who are inspired to mend. They’ve taken them home and their brief is to ensure the mend is visible, bringing their creativity to bear – whether that’s using paint, Japanese sashiko embroidery or any other technique they want to use.”

For her part, Jessica has completed the transformation of six pieces of clothing.

Her favourites?

“I love this men’s blue cashmere jumper that had coffee stains on it. I’ve done 11 cross-stitch cats and dogs on it. My plan is to buy this one back for myself as I like it so much.

“Then there’s a Gerry Weber tartan jacket which had a few small holes. I’ve added lace patches, and it turned out well.

“Perhaps the one I’m most proud of is a dark grey long ladies merino cardigan that had a small hole which I darned and then stitched a spider catching a fly. You can only see it if you really look, so it’s like a little secret.”

To honour the work of the crafty volunteers, their name will appear on the tag in the shop, so customers are aware of the hand-worked nature of the items on sale.”

As well as the obvious financial benefits to St Christopher’s, Jessica believes the initiative has achieved wider positives, for her, her fellow menders and the community and thinks there is the potential to broaden its impact yet further.

“Everyone who has participated has enjoyed it so much. Some people have come up with expert level mends – artworks, really. Whoever buys them will be getting an absolute bargain.

“It’s felt very constructive as well as fun. The shop team and St Christopher’s HQ really got behind the project and for Penny and me it’s felt good to prevent good quality clothes from going to waste.

“If I had a vision for the future, it would be that in 10 years the mending economy will be mainstream and all St Christopher’s clothes donations that could be mended will be syphoned off as a matter of course. It could even happen sooner.”

For now, visitors to the Crystal Palace shop will have to satisfy themselves with this exclusive range, courtesy of Jessica and her network of talented menders, on sale on Friday 20 September – while stocks last.