Craft work – the artful crafters of Ramsgate

CRAFT WORK

Writer

Lynsey Fox

Images

Courtesy of the creatives

Green-minded Ramsgate designers, sewers and makers are using traditional techniques and pre-loved materials to create ethical and sustainable works of fashion and art – and with the opening of a new scrap store, it is a perfect time for any hobbyist to give it a try

THE ART OF MEMORIES ▲

Textile artist Jessie Cutts, founder of Cutts & Sons, uses her background in art and design and applies it to fabric to create colourful and graphic patchwork and quilted art pieces. Jessie has skilfully pushed her pieces into being art rather than just useful objects. Previous work include beautiful memory wall hangings artfully created using clothes from now grown up children or lost family members. Jessie’s unique aesthetic, which breaks away from traditional square patchwork, uses the smallest scraps of fabric off-cuts from previous projects, which only lends to the distinctive wobbly graphic look. While showing me her baskets full of colourful fabric trimmings, I ask Jessie about her no-waste sewing. “I like to be playful and have fun with my work and see how small a piece of fabric I can reuse. I find a lot of pleasure in thinking how far can I push it and what’s the tiniest piece I can reuse to avoid waste,” she says.

CRAFTING FOR ALL ►

On a quiet road behind Ramsgate High Street you will find the Scrap Store, an exciting new initiative that not only supports charity but helps reduce waste. East Kent Mencap, based in Foresters Hall on Meeting Street, delivers support to independent people with learning disabilities. Their Scrap Store works on three levels.

First, it relies on clean and reusable donations which are sorted, weighed and recorded to track exactly how much has been saved from going into landfill. (A staggering 1078kg of fabric was donated since opening!)

Second, it makes affordable materials accessible to those who might otherwise have thought crafting is an expensive hobby. Customers are spoilt for choice – donations include fabric, wool, paper, craft kits, sewing patterns as well as crafting books and magazines, and the well stocked haberdashery section is a dream, filled with all the sewing paraphernalia any new or seasoned crafter could possibly need.

“The appointment-only shopping experience creates less waste as it’s possible to buy items in small quantities, meaning customers can buy just what they need for each project,” explains Amy, Community Coordinator. “There is a suggested donation of £5 for a basket, but we adopt a ‘pay what you can afford’ policy, making crafting accessible to all.”

Third, it provides employment skills and community integration for its members who volunteer to run the store, as well as an aptly named “crafternoon” session for members.

▲ Image courtesy of Jaron James

For more information including when the Scrap Store is accepting donations and to book Covid friendly private appointments (currently available on Wednesdays) see Instagram @scrapstore.ekm or visit eastkentmencap.co.uk/old/thescrapstore-east-kent-mencap

CLOTHES THAT TELL A TALE ►

Elizabeth Cake (a recent satisfied customer of the Scrap Store) creates handmade one-off garments from found fabrics for her sustainable brand A Circular Story. With a background in pattern-cutting and a love of vintage fabrics, Elizabeth likes each of her beautiful pieces to tell a tale – from pretty blouses made from secondhand cotton tablecloths adorned with embroidery and lace details, to a recent art piece she handappliquéd and quilted using found souvenir tablecloths and tea towels from Thanet and other places she has lived. The jacket evokes nostalgic memories of childhood holidays and seaside gift shops. While visiting her studio, I spotted a fun and vibrant patchwork curtain. Elizabeth explains, “I made that from old handkerchiefs. Patchwork is something I’ve always been interested in. I love the look of it and the idea of using every little scrap. If you’ve got a worn out favourite item of clothing, you can continue finding joy in it by cutting it up and making it into a patchwork cushion.”

Instagram @a.circular.story

◄ REUSING WASTE TO WASTE

COLLECTING

Sustainability is at the heart of Forivor, which is co-run by Ramsgate resident Alice Ruby Ross. The brand creates nostalgic memories with its ethereal illustrated organic heirloom children’s quilted bedding. The storytelling designs help children get passionate about conservation and nature. “The popularity of quilting is not only about the repurposing message, but provides a much-needed comforting feel,” Alice says.

The brand has a strong ethical policy, including reducing air freight and planting trees in India for every product purchased. Wanting to go deeper with the ethical business message, Forivor has recently collaborated with bag designer Martina Spetlova to eliminate waste from both their practices. Together they have created a practical quilted tote bag, repurposing production offcuts and waste trimmings from the bag-making process. Cleverly, it includes a waterproof bag inside made from reclaimed parasol or tent fabric rescued from landfill. The multi-purpose bag can be used for packing wet swimming gear in, or even for a bit of impromptu beach litter-picking.