About Action for Conservation
Action for Conservation (AFC) is a UK grassroots charity using innovative approaches to inspire and empower young people from diverse backgrounds, between the ages of 12 and 24, to become the next generation of environmental leaders. To them, being a ‘conservationist’ or ‘environmentalist’ doesn’t just mean following a career as a field biologist or a campaigner. They inspire today’s young people to a long-term belief in the wonder of the natural world, which will shape their dreams and actions whatever path they choose in life.
The RSN has partnered with Action for Conservations young Ambassadors by offering courses on garment upcycling and transformation.
The Project
In February this year we held a webinar for 30 Action for Conservation Ambassadors from London, Sussex and the North West to learn how to upcycle garments and give them a new lease of life.
Participants were sent materials starter kits with recycled fabrics and threads to use to learn key upcycling and repair techniques with RSN Tutor Sonia Lee, including patching holes with fabric scraps and covering stains with decorative stitching, beads and sequins.
Following on from the Webinar, 15 AfC Ambassadors from Sussex and London came to Hampton Court Palace for the day to further develop their stitching skills with RSN Tutor Sonia Lee. The participants worked on their own designs to create embellished pockets on donated denim using applique and decorative stitches including Running Stitch, French Knots and Satin Stitch.
Later in the year, the pockets will return to us to be made up onto a backing fabric of sustainable Himalayan Nettle and Organic Cotton fabric from Khali Khutta in Nepal, one of the fabrics in the Around the World in 80 Fabrics database.
The pockets will be stitched on to this fabric, which features a painting of the Sussex Coast an the contours of the Thames, and the AFC Ambassadors will provide a special item to go into the pockets.
The final piece will go on display at the Fragile Threads Exhibition in February 2027.
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for last week’s event. The AFC Ambassadors had a blast, as did the staff! A lot of our work requires us to be outside, so this was a fantastic way for the young people to experience alternative endeavours under the ‘sustainability’ umbrella. We saw a few young people who have been quieter in outdoor settings really come into their own doing embroidery, so thank you for hosting and providing such cool materials. “
Quote from AfC