NEW sewing workshops that encourage the reuse, recycling and repair of clothes and household items have begun in Hexham.

Glynis Rose and Rachel Orange are running the 'Stitch Kitchen' workshops on the second Saturday of each month, between 11am and 3pm, at the Wabi Sabi Studio, off Priestpopple.

Glynis said: "There is evidence to show that quite often garments are worn less that seven times before sending them to landfill or to charity shops.

"Often less than half of the content of our wardrobe is used at all and only a very small percentage is recycled to make new clothes.

"It is apparent that the foundation of most of today's global fashion industry masks the fact that the environment and climate, as well as workers in the textile industry, are paying the price for our overfilled wardrobes."

The workshops offer people the chance to learn and share ideas on how to revamp and repair their wardrobe, and therefore save items from going to waste.

Glynis said they can help people get used to using a sewing machine, as well as learn more about hand stitching and embroidery.

"We can help you to create something you've been thinking about and never got around to starting, or maybe you have a piece you've been meaning to finish," said Glynis.

"The possibilities are far and wide."

The workshop, priced at £20, includes lunch.

Glynis and Rachel also host yoga classes for adults and children, meditation, talking therapies, sound immersion, holistic therapies and workshops at the Wabi Sabi studio, and aim for the calm wellbeing studio to be used as a hub for the community.

For more information on their classes and events, visit the Wabi Sabi Facebook page.