DIY Fabric Patches with the Slow-Poke Collective

This month is New York City’s textile month, climate week, and fashion week - join us on September 30 to learn how to design and make your own fabric patches to up-cycle clothes, tote bags, or hats and give them new life! The Slow-Poke Collective will facilitate a discussion around sustainability and crafting and share how to make a fabric patch using fabric paint and sewing on fabric. After a brief demo, we will have time to work on DIY patches while we continue the conversation on slow fashion, crafting, and climate optimism. No prior sewing experience is necessary - our facilitators will be on hand to answer questions and talk arts & crafts throughout the workshop.

After the workshop, you will walk away with the basics of how to thread a needle, how to design a fabric patch, how to add it to your garment/item, and local recommendations to source second-hand crafting supplies. 

All materials are included in the ticket cost, and you can take your projects home to complete after the workshop. Facilitators will be around to help as you work on your projects.

Thank you to the Wild East for hosting this event - be sure to try their craft beer or non-alcoholic beverages on hand. This event will take place in their cellar, which can be accessed through the main tap room.

Who Should Attend:

• This event is a great space for people who are brand new to sewing, crafting and/or climate conversations and who want to make a new friend!
• People who need a bit of climate optimism - this is a space to build community, to learn from one another, and to discuss the intersection of crafting, sustainability and climate.
• If you have an intermediate or higher understanding of sewing this will be a fun event of meeting new people and working on a fun project to add to your sustainable wardrobe!
• We are using the following definition of climate optimism: “Climate Optimism” is the idea that as we make progress to slow and reduce the effects of climate change, we must take moments to acknowledge the good work being accomplished instead of solely focusing on setbacks or major hurdles.” We are looking at the climate crisis through this lens because both of us believe that the next iteration of our world can be better, and that many people and community organisations have done incredible work to ensure our world is improving for the better. We will share examples of amazing organizations working to mitigate climate change through textiles and sustainability at the local level.

Materials: Your ticket includes all supplies for making one or a few fabric patches, which you can take home with you. If you aren't finished by the end of the session, you can take home some supplies to complete your patch. Please note: painted patches may not have fully dried, but will need to be taken home, so please plan accordingly.

About Us: Jessi and Leala, founders of Slow-Poke Collective, are deeply passionate about community building, the climate, sustainable fashion, and how crafting can bridge these topics. After attending a slow fashion & crafting weekend in 2024, we wanted to provide a space where people could learn a new skill, meet others interested in climate optimism and sustainability, and have discussions around craft, textiles, circular economy, and climate. Let’s Get Sewcial is that space - our workshops encompass a variety of fiber arts and craft centered around sourcing second-hand materials.

Host or Publisher Slow-Poke Collective