LEARN how to make more out of mending with Devon Air Ambulance at the Positive Lights Project, Exeter on Saturday, February 24.

Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) offers a masterclass in “stitching with style” at its first mending workshop for local sewing beginners and enthusiasts.

The event, run by the DAA retail team, aims to educate people about the positive impact that extending the life of much-loved garments have on the planet and inspire its supporters to learn new mending skills.

This will help to reduce the amount of pre-loved garments that might usually be sent for recycling whilst increasing funds for the life-saving charity. 

Those who are already skilled menders or those that are keen-to-be a little handier with a needle and thread are invited to book one of only 32 places available: https://www.daat.org/Event/exeter-mending-workshop .

Those who sign up will learn and share sewing and mending techniques that will help to give much-loved and pre-loved donated garments a new lease of life and they can either take a garment of their own that they would like to repair themselves, or receive advice about repairing, or they can go along and practice their skills using donated items from DAA’s Mishap Fashion range. 

This first session will include a focus on hand-mending holes in knitwear, replacing buttons, using patches to cover marks and scuffs and more.

All mending techniques will be explained and demonstrated by Devon Air Ambulance retail team hosts and keen menders, Eliza and Isabel, who are looking forward to sharing their skills, hints, tips, and inspiration with the group.  

Eliza, sewing enthusiast and Manager of Cowick Street’s Devon Air Ambulance shop in Exeter, says: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming menders to a lovely afternoon of stitching together in Exeter.

"Those helping to restore the life of our donated garments that need a little care can look forward to a friendly few hours with others who are ‘stitching for our community’ by repairing items for resale. 

"As a lifesaving charity that exists 100 per cent thanks to the supporters in the communities we serve, we are delighted to share this hands-on approach to raising funds, raising awareness, and drawing threads between members of our community. 

"Every item mended and sold takes a little strain off the planet’s natural resources and we cannot wait to share the skills to support our regenerative approach to fashion."

There are just 32 spaces available for the three-hour session, which can be secured for just £15 per person.

The cost for the workshop includes all mending supplies and refreshments. The minimum age for participating is 13 and under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

To find out more and book your place, visit: https://www.daat.org/Event/exeter-mending-workshop .

If you would like to support Devon Air Ambulance and help to keep it responding in another way, please visit the website: daat.org/donate .