For fashion to be truly unique, it doesn’t get more “fashionable” then making your own clothes. If you live in London and want to take that first step towards manifesting those creations that you’ve devised in your head or sketched on paper, check out Fabrications on Broadway Market – an independent store dedicated to DIY, upcycling, refashioning, thrifting, knitting, sewing, and sustainable ethical crafts.

The upcycling emporium and studio space runs a series of sewing and knitting classes for beginners as well as other levels. In addition, there’s also dressmaking and upcycling classes, as well as a sociable fortnightly craft club.

A one-stop shop for everything you need to make your own clothes and interior goods, Fabrications has a well stocked haberdashery section selling knitting and sewing supplies, books, craft kits and other tools. Whether you are into DIY or not, there’s also handmade gifts to purchase at the store.

Located in London’s trendy Broadway Market, Fabrications began life in 2000, way before the area and the wider Hackney borough became gentrified. At that time, many of the shops were empty and boarded up along the Broadway Market. It came to light that Hackney Council were accepting proposals from local business and artists to take on the empty shops to renovate and re-energise them. That’s when Fabrications founder Barley Massey seized the opportunity to channel her abundant creativity and sustainable approach to materials.

Barley Massey has spent the last 20 years finding innovative ways to turn scraps into original fabrics and using recycled materials to create one-of-a-kind items. And Fabrications has become a creative hub for many attuned to upcycling, ethical fabrics, DIY and a community spirit.

Fabrications

Rosa Medea is Life & Soul Magazine’s Chief @rosamedea