Mend, Stitch and Rewear @ The Fixery Repair Cafe Richmond
Saturday, 26 September 2026
11:30 – 13:30
11:30 – 13:30
Join a Sustainable Fashion Week Session at The Fixery
Give a well-loved item of clothing a little more life at this relaxed, hands-on mending session with Alicia Lai, founder of B_Boheme – The Sashiko Atelier. [www.bboheme.com](http://www.bboheme.com/) , @boboheme
We’ll begin with a short and thought-provoking introduction to the realities of fashion today, an imaginative exercise, along with practical ideas for buying less, caring for our clothes and making what we already own last longer.
Alicia will also introduce sashiko, the traditional Japanese practice of strengthening and repairing cloth through mindful stitching.
You’ll then have time and guidance to begin repairing an item of your own. Whether it has a small hole, a worn patch or simply needs a little attention, bring it along and explore how visible mending can turn wear and tear into part of its story.
No previous sewing experience is needed. This is a friendly, informal session designed to help you slow down, learn a useful skill and feel more confident about repairing rather than replacing.
PLEASE BRING
• One clean item of clothing with a small hole, tear or worn area
• Denim, cotton and other non-stretch woven fabrics are especially suitable
• If you don’t have a suitable item, you can still come along and practise the techniques
Basic sewing materials and reclaimed fabric patches will be provided.
Please note that this session is intended for straightforward hand repairs and visible mending rather than alterations, zip replacements or major garment reconstruction.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Alicia Lai has worked in sustainable and vegan fashion for more than 20 years. She founded pioneering vegan footwear brand Bourgeois Boheme in 2005 and now runs B_Boheme – The Sashiko Atelier, bringing people together through thoughtfully hosted experiences in London, inviting you to slow down, stitch, create and connect.
This free event is offered as part of Sustainable Fashion Week in collaboration with The Fixery, Richmond. Please sign up via the Eventbrite link.
== Hosted by The Fixery Repair Cafe Richmond ==
The Fixery is a friendly community repair and reuse hub. It welcomes residents to repair, reuse and swap items, helping them reduce waste, save money and strengthen community connections.
You can:
* Repair it – Repair bicycles, clothing or small electrical items
* Swap it – Swap clothes and refresh your wardrobe
* Refill it – Refill your empty household cleaning and laundry products
* Purchase pre-loved teddy bears or small craft materials – Fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and more
* Connect with others – Sit and relax at our on-site café with delicious coffee and snacks available for purchase
We are based in Grove Gardens Chapel, a beautiful historic building set within the peaceful Richmond Old Burial Ground. Our What3Words location is: brands.snaps.times. The chapel is located between Richmond town centre and North Sheen, making it easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/press_office/campaigns_and_events/climate_emergency/the_fixery#Using_The_Fixery
Learn more about Repair Cafés and how to start one at: https://therestartproject.org/
Give a well-loved item of clothing a little more life at this relaxed, hands-on mending session with Alicia Lai, founder of B_Boheme – The Sashiko Atelier. [www.bboheme.com](http://www.bboheme.com/) , @boboheme
We’ll begin with a short and thought-provoking introduction to the realities of fashion today, an imaginative exercise, along with practical ideas for buying less, caring for our clothes and making what we already own last longer.
Alicia will also introduce sashiko, the traditional Japanese practice of strengthening and repairing cloth through mindful stitching.
You’ll then have time and guidance to begin repairing an item of your own. Whether it has a small hole, a worn patch or simply needs a little attention, bring it along and explore how visible mending can turn wear and tear into part of its story.
No previous sewing experience is needed. This is a friendly, informal session designed to help you slow down, learn a useful skill and feel more confident about repairing rather than replacing.
PLEASE BRING
• One clean item of clothing with a small hole, tear or worn area
• Denim, cotton and other non-stretch woven fabrics are especially suitable
• If you don’t have a suitable item, you can still come along and practise the techniques
Basic sewing materials and reclaimed fabric patches will be provided.
Please note that this session is intended for straightforward hand repairs and visible mending rather than alterations, zip replacements or major garment reconstruction.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Alicia Lai has worked in sustainable and vegan fashion for more than 20 years. She founded pioneering vegan footwear brand Bourgeois Boheme in 2005 and now runs B_Boheme – The Sashiko Atelier, bringing people together through thoughtfully hosted experiences in London, inviting you to slow down, stitch, create and connect.
This free event is offered as part of Sustainable Fashion Week in collaboration with The Fixery, Richmond. Please sign up via the Eventbrite link.
== Hosted by The Fixery Repair Cafe Richmond ==
The Fixery is a friendly community repair and reuse hub. It welcomes residents to repair, reuse and swap items, helping them reduce waste, save money and strengthen community connections.
You can:
* Repair it – Repair bicycles, clothing or small electrical items
* Swap it – Swap clothes and refresh your wardrobe
* Refill it – Refill your empty household cleaning and laundry products
* Purchase pre-loved teddy bears or small craft materials – Fabrics, buttons, ribbons, and more
* Connect with others – Sit and relax at our on-site café with delicious coffee and snacks available for purchase
We are based in Grove Gardens Chapel, a beautiful historic building set within the peaceful Richmond Old Burial Ground. Our What3Words location is: brands.snaps.times. The chapel is located between Richmond town centre and North Sheen, making it easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/press_office/campaigns_and_events/climate_emergency/the_fixery#Using_The_Fixery
Learn more about Repair Cafés and how to start one at: https://therestartproject.org/