Shoddy Threads upcycles second-hand clothes into modern, durable garments designed to be cherished. Founder Niamh crafts each unique piece herself and hopes to inspire its wearers to fall in love with their clothes, look after them, mend them, and eventually pass them on. Each garment starts as textile waste, which Shoddy Threads cleans, sorts, cuts and then transforms into new items.
Niamh has always loved second-hand goods, but the inspiration for Shoddy Threads dates back to 2019, when she was a second-year fashion student. Horrified by the state of the fashion industry, she began to feel disillusioned at the huge amounts of clothing that were going to waste.
Trying to get a deeper understanding of the issue, Niamh met Mohammed Patel, who worked in a textile recycling warehouse. Mohammed showed her what we are throwing out in the UK and helped her select some pieces to see what she could make. Niamh prototyped and eventually built a collection.
Since then, Niamh has been committed to finding ways to turn fashion into a more circular economy, with Mohammed helping her understand the fashion industry, one that is causing more damage than people know. Niamh says, “We want to be a part of a culture shift that needs to happen.” Shoddy Threads officially launched at the end of 2023 with a small collection of upcycled garments.
As the founder, Niamh wears many hats – she is the designer, seamstress and business developer. Recently she has welcomed marketing assistant Drishti Babu, who has just graduated in sustainable business and has a great understanding of what Shoddy Threads is trying to achieve, and intern Freya, who is studying at De Montfort University and helps out with production. Niamh is excited to see how their work will develop.
Shoddy Threads will be appearing at their first Harpenden Sustainability Market in July and Niamh is very excited to get out into the community and talk to like-minded people. She says “I always feel inspired by other environmentalists, even if it isn’t an area they work in, people have great ideas for the future and often very well-educated opinions. It’s fantastic to have a space where green efforts are celebrated and highlighted for the community to see.”
And her best eco tip? “Wear what you have, love what you have and make the most of your wardrobe!”
Shoddy Threads also retails online and at various pop-up events. Sign up to their newsletter or follow them on Instagram to find out about upcoming events!
Join us at the next Sustainability Market on 21st July to visit Shoddy Threads plus other local eco and food stalls that promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Visit our website for the full schedule of dates.
Written by volunteer Fuschia Hutton.
