'Re-Fashion' fixes an old problem for charity shop

A CHARITY shop in Sutton Coldfield has unveiled a unique 'upcycling' space in store to transform clothes that might otherwise be binned.

- KIRSTY BOSLEY

The 'Re-Fashion' Hub is a work-shop in the Barnardo's superstore where volunteers can repair broken buttons and zips, wash out marks and remove bobbles to give textiles another chance on the shop floor.

Staff can also transform clothes with large rips or stains into brand new garments, turning old jeans into handbags and aprons and patchwork skirts.

Sewing machine maker Singer even donated six machines to the project and Miele gave Barnardo's a washing machine to make the work-shop possible on a zero budget.

Visitors to The Hub, on the Princess Alice Retail Park, can now shop from the refreshed stock, raising money for the children's charity.

Those who like to make their own clothes can pop in to buy rescued buttons and zips from the in-store haberdashery.