Embrace imperfection and learn the Japanese art of ‘Boro’, elevating damaged denim using cotton scraps and decorative sashiko stitches.

A new free monthly Zoom meet-up for likeminded fashionistas to flex their sewing, embroidery, knitting or crochet skills whilst engaging in current fashion conversations! No matter what your background or skill level, this is a welcoming virtual space where we can connect, inspire and support each other through these strange times. Simply sign up via the link and you’ll be sent the Zoom meeting number and password. Can’t wait to see you there!

If you’ve been looking at fixing up your wardrobe or want to learn more about how to prolong the lifespan of your clothes, this workshop is for you! You’ll be taught by embroidery specialist and TFL founder Melanie Kyles, who has long been invested in sustainable fashion. The session will be taught via Zoom so you still have the benefit of live tuition and feedback that you would typically receive in The Fashion Lab, as well as having the opportunity to meet and connect with others who you’ll be learning alongside.

A new free monthly Zoom meet-up for likeminded fashionistas to flex their sewing, embroidery, knitting or crochet skills whilst engaging in current fashion conversations! No matter what your background or skill level, this is a welcoming virtual space where we can connect, inspire and support each other through these strange times. Simply sign up via the link and you’ll be sent the Zoom meeting number and password. Can’t wait to see you there!

Fancy adding some greenery to your home without the upkeep? Or branching out with your plant collection? This online workshop will guide you step by step of learning how to create gorgeous 3-D embroidered plants, with embroidery specialist and TFL founder Melanie Kyles. The session will be taught via Zoom so you still have the benefit of live tuition and feedback that you would typically receive in The Fashion Lab, as well as having the opportunity to meet and connect with others who you’ll be learning alongside.

In these strange times, many of us have been spending more time in our homes, and our experiences are both personal and collective. This online workshop has been commissioned as part of Durham’s ‘Summer in the City’ online festival programme, which features free workshops and creative materials from local artists focused on the theme of home. By taking part in the live workshop, you will have the opportunity to virtually meet others who’ll be taking part and share your experience of what life at home has looked like for you, before learning a number of essential embroidery stitches to document your experience in a creative and collaborative way.

A new free monthly Zoom meet-up for likeminded fashionistas to flex their sewing, embroidery, knitting or crochet skills whilst engaging in current fashion conversations! No matter what your background or skill level, this is a welcoming virtual space where we can connect, inspire and support each other through these strange times. Simply sign up via the link and you’ll be sent the Zoom meeting number and password. Can’t wait to see you there!

Perfect for beginners, this popular class will gently ease you into learning how to machine stitch (either on your own machine or one from The Fashion Lab), and you will leave the session feeling more confident on the tools you'll need, how to set up and thread your machine, how to stitch efficiently and how to create a seam.

Did you know that the biggest environmental impact of our clothing happens when we own it? Whether you’re looking at how to live more sustainably or hoping to rescue a favourite garment in need of some TLC, this brand new ‘Wardrobe SOS’ masterclass covers the essential skills for maintaining your wardrobe! Using off-cut fabrics, you’ll learn how to sew on buttons and fastenings, mend a button hole and how to stitch up a split seam. You’ll also receive an exclusive zine to take away which is full of tips on how to care for your clothing and keep them looking fresh!

Bring your worn out denim (or any other medium-heavy woven fabric) along to this workshop that explores the Japanese art of visible mending. The Japanese art of Boro not only mends, but also embraces imperfections and adds to the stories of our clothing, a heritage craft that ties in so well with todays conversations on slow fashion and sustainability!

Brighten up the dark days in this relaxed social embroidery session! ‘Crewelwork & Cake’ is all about the therapeutic and aesthetic nature of hand embroidery, having the opportunity to relax, be social, be creative and feel reenergised. There is also cake and fizz to hand, always a bonus! Choose from a selection of original trend-led templates or create a design of your own, before learning a couple of different stitches to start you off. Professional tools and quality materials including an organic cotton base and Egyptian cotton embroidery floss will be provided, and the workshop is suitable for all levels of experience.

Stitch your own unique embroidered artwork by learning a variety of stitches and building them up to create abstract patterns, clustering together, intersecting, overlapping and isolating. With a wide variety of thread colours to choose from worked onto an unbleached organic cotton fabric base, this workshop encourages you to explore form and texture in an organic fashion, free from the constraints of working within a motif and instead developing original contemporary patterns.

*Image from Pinterest

Inspired by Fashion Revolution’s annual ‘FASHION OPEN STUDIO’ initiative, this free drop in event is a great opportunity to experience the workings of a professional contemporary embroidery studio. How long does it take to hand embroider a jumper? What is the difference between digital and machine embroidery? What exactly is slow fashion and why is it important? Come and visit The Fashion Lab between 2-6pm to watch a real life #WIP and get curious about embroidery, embellishment and sustainable fashion!

Bring your worn out denim (or any other medium-heavy woven fabric) along to this workshop that explores the Japanese art of visible mending. The Japanese art of Boro not only mends, but also embraces imperfections and adds to the stories of our clothing, a heritage craft that ties in so well with todays conversations on slow fashion and sustainability!

Perfect for beginners, this popular class will gently ease you into learning how to machine stitch (either on your own machine or one from The Fashion Lab), and you will leave the session feeling more confident on the tools you'll need, how to set up and thread your machine, how to stitch efficiently and how to create a seam.

We all love a bit of sparkle for the festive season, especially when it comes to accessories! In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create your own luxury hand-embellished tree decoration (you can even make it into a brooch if you prefer to decorate yourself or a loved one), choosing one of three originally designed templates of winter knits, that include mittens, a woollen hat or a festive jumper.

Perfect for beginners, this popular class will gently ease you into learning how to machine stitch (either on your own machine or one from The Fashion Lab), and you will leave the session feeling more confident on the tools you'll need, how to set up and thread your machine, how to stitch efficiently and how to create a seam.

Bring your worn out denim (or any other medium-heavy woven fabric) along to this workshop that explores the Japanese art of visible mending. The Japanese art of Boro not only mends, but also embraces imperfections and adds to the stories of our clothing, a heritage craft that ties in so well with todays conversations on slow fashion and sustainability!

Embroidered florals are classic for a reason. From intricate silk shading of the Orient, to the Mexican blooms donned by Frida Kahlo, to traditional English garden scattered florals, they are a stunning way of personalising your wardrobe and home and will work hard throughout the seasons! In this class, you’ll be taught a series of floral and leafy crewelwork stitches, which you can then apply to a simple monogram design.

The mysterious and often beautiful symbolism of astrology has long been inspiration for artists and designers. Collections by the likes of Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Valentino have all featured embroidered elements such as constellations, moon phases and horoscope symbols over recent years. Join contemporary embroidery artist Melanie Kyles to embroider your own zodiac hoop-art, learning key hand-embroidery techniques and creating a gorgeous starry embroidery piece to take home.

With an estimated £140 million worth of clothing ending up in landfill each year here in the UK, many of them still wearable or recyclable, what can we do collectively to address this issue? Join The Fashion Lab in conjunction with Orbis and B&D Studios for a showcase that demonstrates the value and creativity of second-hand clothing, featuring reworked and pre-loved fashion by sustainable fashion brands Melanie Kyles and Trendlistr. ‘Fashion Revisited’ is part of Binge Festival, a festival organised by TryLife in association with The International Film Awards that aims to celebrate creative talent both regionally and internationally.

In today's world it is easier than ever to purchase new clothing when our old ones get damaged, but what if we were to embrace and adapt to the changes in our clothing, creating a wardrobe full of stories and unique detailing? In this one-hour session as part of the Binge Festival, you will learn the skills to transform your moth-eaten wares into beautifully decorated garments that are completely original and personal to you!

Perfect for beginners, this popular class will gently ease you into learning how to machine stitch (either on your own machine or one from The Fashion Lab), and you will leave the session feeling more confident on the tools you'll need, how to set up and thread your machine, how to stitch efficiently and how to create a seam.

Ever wondered what lies behind the doors of Commercial Union House, one of the few remaining Brutalist office buildings in Newcastle that also happens to be home to a huge variety of artists, creative businesses, galleries, charities and learning groups? For this year's 25th anniversary of Heritage Open Days, there will be an exclusive tour of the building including The Fashion Lab at Ampersand Inventions, as well as a talk by We are Explore patron John Grundy, 'Concrete Dreams: Brutalism and the North East'.

Whether you’re an eco-fashionista, or completely new to Ethical Fashion - you’re welcome to join us at our READy or NOT monthly meet-up group held at the cosy communal area of Ampersand Inventions! Grab a cup of tea and engage with the latest articles and conversations surrounding fashion, sustainability, and progressions being made in the industry.

For something more social, there is the evening workshop' Crewelwork and Cake’. It’s all about the therapeutic and aesthetic nature of hand embroidery, designed to help you unwind through creativity and the art of making.

Bring your worn out denim (or any other medium-heavy woven fabric) along to this workshop that explores the Japanese art of visible mending. The Japanese art of Boro not only mends, but also embraces imperfections and adds to the stories of our clothing, a heritage craft that ties in so well with todays conversations on slow fashion and sustainability!

Learn a range of floral embroidery techniques whilst creating your very own personalised hoop in this exciting new class! Florals never date and are are great way of customising your wardrobe or home. Crewelwork is a popular embroidery technique due to its accessibility and versatility, and can be seen in current fashion, social media and craftivism trends.