Upcycled Wetsuit Workshop - One to One

Flotsam Flo Upcycled Wetsuit workshop - 2 hours - ONE TO ONE

NEW!!!! Learn how to repurpose broken wetsuits and turn them into something else. Due to wetsuits being difficult to work with, this is a one to one session as we only have a limited number of specialist machines that sew wetsuits.

Learn how Flotsam Flo repurposes wetsuits and how to use the sewing machine and other equipment needed to reuse wetsuits.

NO SEWING EXPERIENCE NEEDED! We will help you every step of the way and I believe anyone can sew and make items so please don't worry, you've got this!

In this 2 hour workshop based near Redruth, you will learn how to make your very own item (or 2 depending on time and making skills). You can choose an item for this based on our current workshops and items that we make such as, a purse, pouch, tote bag, 'not just a toiletry bag', cross body bag or even keyring, decoration or a mixture of a couple of items depending on times and making skills.

We will be upcycling wetsuits, which are materials that are really difficult to recycle. These can take up to 100 years to biodegrade. The pictures here are examples of products that have previously been made not necessarily what we will be making in this Workshop. Due to only using broken materials for the main part of the item, no two items will be the same, so the pictures are for exemplar purposes only. 

You will rummage through our wetsuits and choose one you would like to upcycle. You will learn basic sewing machine skills so you are confident at using them before we make your item. There are potentially 3 machines you will learn to use, but we will help you every step of the way.  Not only will you be able to take your items with you, you will also be learning skills about how Flotsam Flo uses material as well as design, making and sewing machine skills.

You will learn:

- How to use a sewing machine

- Options to learn how to use the Overlocker

- Health and Safety around the workspace

- Special techniques to sew neoprene

- How to use a simple pattern

- Methods to upcycle broken wetsuits

Knowledge Required

No previous sewing knowledge required however, these workshops are flexible so there will always be some tasks or decoration techniques that can push your skill level. These sessions are for over 18s only, but we are looking to run workshops for younger people in the near future.

What you'll take away

- An item (or 2 or so) of your choice (within reason, based on Flotsam Flo workshop items and any extras depending on time and making skills)

- Design and making skills

- Upcycling ideas and skills

What's Included

- All materials and equipment, including webbing straps, thread, zip and use of sewing machines 

- Tutoring from an experienced Design and Technology and Art Teacher

- Free onsite Parking

- Refreshments (please email me if you have any special requirements or allergies)

About your tutor

Kate is the founder of Flotsam Flo and has been making and experimenting with plastic materials for almost 2 years. Kate is a qualified secondary school teacher, specialising in Design and technology. She has over 10 years of teaching in secondary schools, including Textiles through all key stages including GCSE and BTEC Art Textiles. Kate is a practicing artist (check out Kate Doran Artist on Facebook) and utilised textiles in her First Class honours degree in Graphic design.

What to bring

You do not need to bring anything with you for this session, however if you have a broken wetsuit or similar items that you would like to reuse, we can try and incorporate this. We cannot guarantee all materials can be used depending on suitability but please bring it so we can see. 

If you would like to book a workshop with a group of friends, or if you would like a one-to-one workshop, please contact me. 

Where will sessions be held?

Workshops will be held at Flotsam Flo HQ which is based at:

48 Cardrew Way, Cardrew industrial Estate, Mount Ambrose TR15 1SS

This address does not always come up in directions, but it is the building opposite Aqua-Rod.

Here is a link to our location on maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DTdEfXVqFeUDh6gH6

Here is a link to what3words which shops you exactly where we are based: https://w3w.co/clasping.tabs.strutting There is parking right outside the Flotsam Flo building in the car park. You will see Dave the Flotsam Flo Van, so please park here. 

IMPORTANT INFO: Please only park in the car park outside Flotsam Flo HQ. Please do not park on the opposite side of the road in the carpark outside of the Big green biffa building. This is due to health and safety reasons. If you can't see Dave the van, please don't park there. 

Please note that while we make every effort to estimate the length of a session and plan to complete each item within the allotted time, this isn't always achievable. We will make sure you are confident finishing your item at home if you have the equipment and if you are unable to do so during in the workshop time.

You can read about our cancellation policy here.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a cost of delivery described below, but once you checkout postage is not included.