Learning Upholstery at our Pop-Up

Today marked a real milestone for us - our very first upholstery class, led by the incredibly talented Erica Sawden of Sew and Stow - and it was everything we hoped it would be (and a little bit more).

Six women arrived, each carrying a chair with its own story. Some were tired dining seats ready for a new lease of life, others were much-loved pieces that had seen years of family meals, homework sessions and conversations. What united them all was potential. Over the next three hours, our space was filled with the wonderfully rhythmic sounds of transformation, staples being removed, tacks hammered in, layers of old fabric peeled back, fresh wadding applied, and beautiful remnant fabrics from our selection carefully stretched and secured into place.

There was something quietly powerful about watching the process unfold. Only a couple of the women had any prior upholstery experience, yet by the end of the session every single attendee had gained confidence, practical skills and a completely revitalised chair. Choosing from our collection of donated remnant fabrics added another layer of meaning - fabrics that might otherwise have gone to waste were given a second life, becoming statement pieces full of personality and pride.

Erica was a calm, generous and deeply knowledgeable teacher, guiding everyone through techniques with patience and clarity. The atmosphere was focused yet full of laughter, that sweet spot where learning feels both energising and supportive. The results spoke for themselves: six transformed chairs and six very happy women heading home with something they had made with their own hands.

The class proved so popular that Erica will be returning on the 10th for a second session, which tells you everything you need to know. We can’t wait to share photographs of the finished chairs once they’re back in their homes, styled and settled into everyday life.

Days like this remind us why we do what we do. It’s never just about the finished piece. It’s about bringing women together, sharing skills, swapping ideas, building confidence and forming new friendships. Sitting side by side, learning something new, creating something tangible and that’s where real connection happens.

And that’s exactly the kind of community we’re here to build.