Mark your calendar for this fantastic event, and bring your recyclable clothing, fabric, and needlecraft to share and swap.
Faculty, Stacey Horne Harper's course, FYTH 100 First Year Seminar (Theatre): Upcycling and Emphasizing the Reuse in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and the Library Makerspace collaboration
Event Title: “ReCraft: Upcycling for Everyday Sustainability”
Makerspace Thrifting, Recycling, and Needle Craft Event
Open to SSU community
Date: October 9, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Library Makerspace
Overview
This is a collaborative Makerspace event designed to promote the often-overlooked “Reuse” component of the sustainability triad: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Inspired by the class Upcycling and Emphasizing the Reuse in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, the event will provide hands-on opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage in creative reuse through thrifting, needlecraft, and repair activities. FYTH 100 Upcycling and Emphasizing the Reuse in Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, students will volunteer in this event.
Goals
Empower participants with basic skills in sewing, mending, and repurposing everyday items.
Encourage sustainable habits by demonstrating the financial, environmental, and community benefits of reuse.
Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between library services, sustainability initiatives, and academic programs.
Event Components
Thrift & Swap Station
Participants can bring gently used items to exchange or upcycle. Items may include clothing, fabric, and needlecraft.
Needlecraft & Repair Workshops
Hands-on sessions teaching basic sewing, patching, and creative embroidery. Focus on repairing clothing and personalizing thrifted items.
Recycling & Repurposing Demos
Guided activities on transforming discarded materials into functional or decorative items—e.g., turning old t-shirts into tote bags
Upcycling Showcase
A mini-exhibit featuring projects and books that exemplify reuse and creative sustainability.
Resource Table
Information on local repair shops, reuse centers, and sustainability programs, including library guides and resources to upcycling.
Support & Collaboration
Library Makerspace Team: Event coordination, space setup, and materials. Rukmal, Jason, Yolanda, Kenzi and Library Admin office
Faculty from FYS100 TH Upcycling Course: Instruction and student engagement. Stacey Horne Harper
Facilities & Sustainability Office: Promotion and logistical support. Tara Gallager
Other departments support: Ashley Toole (SMS), Annmarie Bedard (SMS), and the Marketing Department
Student Volunteers: Workshop assistance and peer mentoring. - FYS100 TH course students
Materials
Basic sewing kits, repair tools, fabric pieces, and two sewing machines (Makerspace)
Upcycled materials and supplies (community bring to share and swap)
Promotional materials and signage (Library)
Outcomes
Increased awareness and practice of reuse strategies
Strengthened community engagement around sustainability
Enhanced visibility of the Makerspace as a hub for creative learning
