Two locals are excited to introduce their new fabric and sewing workspace to the community at an open day this Friday (June 10).

Sue James-Moore and Claire O’Connell have been painting and fitting-out their new space in the Wānaka Community Workshop and dreaming up all the workshops, re-use projects and other crafty endeavours they can share with the local community. 

Called ‘Fabricate’, the space will be a hub for all things fabric and sewing-related, and the duo are already planning their first workshops, which will include a learn-to-sew programme, pattern-making, and more.

“We have so many more ideas of what workshops to present,” Claire said. “This is just a start and, as we communicate with the community, we think there will be lots of other ideas come up.”

Locals will also be able to visit Fabricate to undertake their own sewing and garment-making projects (the space has an Industrial machine which “will sew through anything”, Claire said) and Sue and Claire hope to create a community of people who are willing to share their skills on-site

Sue and Claire will also be using the space to work on their own projects: Sue makes possum-fur trimmed oil skin jackets under her label, Central Oil; and Claire is working on a new clothing label using natural fabrics.

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Claire said Fabricate would run along the same lines as the ‘MenShed’ next door “but we’ll be working with fabrics”.

The plan is to draw on items destined for landfill as much as possible and, equipped with a fabric shredder, Fabricate will be able to give items like old stools, poufs and cleaning cloths a new life.

Claire said she had already been getting great feedback from people who want to take part. 

“Young people who've just bought an old sewing machine and don't know how to use it; older people who have sewn when they were younger but would like someone to sit alongside while they get back into it; both men and women,” she said.

Claire said she was impressed by the Wānaka Community Workshop, its sense of community and the great work being done there.

“Fabricate's going to compliment that beautifully,” she said.

Head along to Fabricate’s opening this Friday (June 10) at 15 Gordon Road, 4-6pm.

Claire and Sue thanked the following businesses who contributed to the opening event: Rhyme & Reason, Henry’s Albert Town, Central Oil and Wānaka Signs.

PHOTO: Wānaka App