Rethink, Repair, Rewear: Secondhand September Starts Here
02-09-2026
Newsletter 2nd September 2026
Rethinking What We Buy, Wear and Keep
September marks Secondhand September – an opportunity to rethink what we buy, wear and ultimately discard.
From shopping our own wardrobes and choosing pre-loved, to repairing and upcycling what we already own, there are many ways to extend the life of our clothes. Every garment represents materials, resources and skilled labour, making keeping clothing in use for longer an important part of circular fashion.
Throughout September, we’ll be sharing ideas and opportunities to get involved.
Learn to Repair, Upcycle and Rework Your Wardrobe
Inspired to give your clothes a new lease of life this Secondhand September?
Our upcoming workshops provide practical skills to repair, alter and transform garments. From learning to use an industrial sewing machine to hemming, inserting zips, customisation and adapting existing garments, there are options for complete beginners and those looking to develop their skills.
Simply bring along garments from your wardrobe and discover what you can create rather than buying new.
Why British Fashion Makers Deserve More Attention
Behind every finished garment sits a network of highly skilled people – pattern cutters, sample machinists, garment technologists, stitchers and production teams – who rarely receive the same visibility as designers and brands.
In our latest FashionCapital insight, we respond to the British Fashion Council’s 2030 strategy and ask whether the industry could go further in championing domestic manufacturing, technical skills and the makers behind British fashion.
Start September with In-Demand Fashion Skills
September marks the start of a new term at the Fashion Technology Academy, with practical, industry-led courses available across our London campuses.
From Level 1 and Level 2 Stitching and Pattern Cutting to specialist training, learners develop practical skills using professional industrial equipment with experienced industry tutors.
Whether you’re entering the industry, changing career or developing existing skills, there are a range of routes available.
Tap here to explore September courses
Fashion-Enter Leicester Partners with Breast Cancer Now
Fashion-Enter Ltd Leicester is delighted to announce a new community partnership with Breast Cancer Now.
Supported by a community engagement grant, our Leicester team will deliver four creative workshops combining practical bra-making skills with important conversations around breast health awareness.
The sessions will use creativity and making as an accessible way to engage communities and encourage conversations around breast health.
Read more about the partnership
Sewing Squad Social Goes Behind the Scenes at FEL
Fashion-Enter recently welcomed Sewing Squad Social to our Haringey factory for a Factory Uncovered tour led by FEL Director Caroline Ash.
The group explored the realities of garment manufacturing, from production processes and industrial machinery to sustainability, supply chains, technology and the skills behind making clothes.
Feedback was fantastic, with visitors highlighting how valuable it was to see the complete clothing production journey first-hand.
Courses & Workshops
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
1 & 2 Day Courses and Workshops
7th Sept – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £50
7th – 9th Sept – 3-Day Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £120
14th – 17th Sept – 4-Day Shirt Making Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £150
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week On FashionCapital…
5 Top Tips for Sourcing Quality Fabric
Could Your Career in UK Manufacturing Start Here?
Fashion-Enter Ltd is recruiting for two Level 2 Sewing Machinist Apprentices at our award-winning Haringey factory in North London.
Apprentices will learn in a live manufacturing environment, gaining hands-on experience with specialist industrial machinery and professional garment production techniques while working towards a recognised qualification.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to earn, learn and develop the technical skills UK manufacturers need.
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd
