MEMBERS of the 7th Finstall Scout Group have teamed up with the Bromsgrove Independent Design Centre (CIC) to do their bit for the environment while working towards their Creative Challenge Award.
Scouts have been working alongside Brenda Killigrew and the CIC learning team to turn old textiles into tote bags using the morsbag.com upcycling method.
Scout leader Sue Overton approached Brenda and asked if the CIC could help the Scouts work on their Creative badge.
Brenda developed the old-to-new bag project in response.
Instead of going to landfill, old clothing and fabrics will be donated to the CIC to be reused and upcycled into unique, one-of-a-kind tote bags. Each will feature the Morsbags distinctive label and the 7th Finstall Scouts’ badge.
The first partner for retail use of these bags is Butcher’s Block in Bromsgrove High Street. The award-winning butcher is committed to reducing plastic carrier bag use.
It is hoped other retailers will join the project and offer shoppers the distinctive, community-made bags to demonstrate their commitment to reducing the impact on the environment.
To get one of the first unique bags, shoppers are encouraged to visit Butcher’s Block, choose a bag and give a donation for it.
Funds raised will be passed onto the Basement Project, the Butchers’ Block’s chosen local charity, and other retailers which sign up can select their own causes.
Bromsgrove IDC CIC, based at 17 Worcester Road, is a newly-formed Community Interest Company to extend the community reach of the Brenda Killigrew Sewing Studio.
The CIC delivers a wide range of expert-led textile groups including knitting, crochet hand embroidery, young designers sewing clubs, dressmaking, tailoring and textile art.
Visiting class tutors include Jenniffer Taylor from series two of The Great British Sewing Bee.
Brenda Killigrew is well known in Redditch and Bromsgrove through her 30 years of working with the community.
Visit bromsgroveidccic.org for more information about the CIC’s groups and classes.
