MAKE do and mend is coming to Ilkley as part of this year’s Sustainable Fashion Week.

On Saturday, September 30 and Saturday, October 7th October, Ilkley’s community café Outside the Box will be hosting ‘The Mending Box’ and anyone interested in learning about the art of repairing and reworking their clothing is invited along. The sessions will run 10am to 12 noon each day at Outside the Box, The Arcade on South Hawksworth Street.

‘The Mending Box’ sessions will be run by Becky Davies-Downes, a local textiles expert and former television costume professional. Becky's expertise in fashion and clothing from 1940's wartime Britain, deeply rooted in the 'make do and mend' philosophy, will enable visitors to the sessions to pick up a needle and continue the tradition of preserving beloved wardrobe pieces.

She said: "I'm thrilled to partner with Outside the Box for this project. The community spirit embodied by this venue perfectly aligns with the principles of 'make do and mend’. Community and skill-sharing were pivotal to the success of this initiative and they are also central to my work today as I teach people the essential skills needed to repair and extend the lifespan of their clothing. I hope this collaboration with Outside the Box will endure as a valuable resource within our local community even after Sustainable Fashion Week concludes for another year.”

The sessions are being run as open door events where the public can bring along an item of clothing and learn how to mend or rework it.

“We are delighted to be hosting The Mending Box,” says Hilary Oliver, manager at Outside the Box café. “A warm welcome awaits anyone who comes along to the sessions and we look forward to seeing both local residents and visitors to the town who want to do their bit for sustainable fashion.”

Each year, Sustainable Fashion Week sets out to inspire individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, to rethink their approach to fashion and textiles. Taking place from September 23rd to October 8th, 2023, this international event aims to encourage a more sustainable relationship with clothing and fashion.

For further information on “The Mending Box” or Outside the Box email cafe@outsidetheboxcafe.com or call 01943 431173. For further details about Becky and her work, see www.williamandtilda.co.uk