This activity has focused on the creation of a training hub for tailoring and artisanal creativity, using recycled materials to foster the employment integration of vulnerable people. It has been structured into three key phases:

The first, preparation, included organising workshops in each partner country, collecting materials, and designing a four-module training programme. This phase also involved a study visit to Italy for the partners from Spain, Portugal and North Macedonia to gain experience in social tailoring and creative reuse.

The second phase, implementation, was where the adapted training was delivered to a minimum of 15 participants per country.

Finally, the evaluation and dissemination phase measured the skills acquired by the beneficiaries and publicises the results through an exhibition to connect participants with potential employment opportunities.

 

COURSES

The primary objective has been to empower vulnerable individuals with sewing, design, and creative skills, utilising recycled materials to foster social inclusion, employability, and sustainability.

1. Activities Undertaken:

The programme was structured into thematic modules covering everything from basic sewing techniques to the design of complex products and accessories, always with a strong emphasis on reuse and upcycling. Key activities included:

• Repairs and Basic Garment Making: Participants learned techniques for hemming, sewing on buttons, patching, and the use of sewing machines and irons. Tote bags were made with personalised pockets and embroidered details.

• Original Creations and Accessories: Hair scrunchies, bow ties, and brooches were designed and crafted from fabric scraps. Versatile cases for glasses or phones, as well as mobile phone straps/keychains, were also created.

• Creative Upcycling with Diverse Materials:

  • Paper and Cardboard: Transformation of newspapers and leaflets into functional bags for herbs and spices, and upcycling of shoe boxes and cardboard into decorative storage containers.

  • Plastic: Creation of ceiling lamps and wall vases from used plastic bottles.

  • Textiles: Production of seamless pillowcases from old T-shirts and the crafting of durable rugs from old clothes and textiles using weaving or braiding techniques.

  • Miscellaneous Waste: Fabrication of small wallets/cardholders from recycled magazine/newspaper paper and belts from Revita material (a material that revitalises waste).

• Fashion Design and Costume Making: Costume design for events such as Carnival was explored, along with the creation of spring-inspired accessories using recycled fabrics.

• Visits and Film Forums: Visits were organised to relevant entities such as the Isabel Martín Foundation (Zaragoza), Moda Re- (Zaragoza), and the sustainable fashion brand SKFK (Zaragoza). In Gondomar, a film forum was held with a discussion on the fashion industry and sustainability, analysing the film “The Devil Wears Prada.”

2. Methodologies Applied:

The project’s implementation was based on a “Learning by Doing” methodology, which prioritised practical experience and the creation of tangible products. Pedagogical approaches included:

• Practical Workshops: Intensive sessions where participants directly applied the techniques learned.

• Structured Modules: Content was divided into progressive modules, from basic skills to more advanced techniques, ensuring accessibility for all.

• Collaboration and Peer Learning: Interaction, teamwork, and the exchange of knowledge among participants were encouraged.

• Theoretical-Practical Integration: Theoretical knowledge about sustainability and upcycling was combined with practical exercises.

• Flexibility and Inclusion: An inclusive approach was adopted, allowing flexibility in participation to adapt to the diverse needs and circumstances of the beneficiaries.

3. Results and Impact:

The “Social Tailoring” project has proven to be a resounding success in all its locations, exceeding initial expectations and generating significant impact:

• Increased Participation: In Bitonto, the number of participants (33) exceeded the initial target of 15 per country, reflecting significant community interest. In Kavadarci, 14 out of 20 initial participants completed all modules, and in Zaragoza, 16 out of 18 completed the programme.

• Skill Development: Participants acquired valuable skills in sewing, fashion design, upcycling, and creativity, which were applied in the creation of products for final events, such as fashion shows.

• Social Inclusion and Employability: The project benefited diverse vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities, elderly individuals at risk of exclusion, low-income women, NEET youth, and people excluded from the labour market. A sense of achievement was fostered, cognitive and motor skills were improved, and employment opportunities in creative industries were explored.

• Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Ecological practices, the value of upcycling, and the importance of sustainable fashion were promoted, inspiring participants to integrate recycled elements into their daily lives and to appreciate the potential of waste materials.

• Community Engagement: Collaboration with local businesses, municipal administrations, and associations (such as ZIP.H Cooperativa Sociale in Bitonto, Fundación Isabel Martín in Zaragoza, and SME ‘STEVIK’ in Kavadarci) highlighted the project’s integration into the community and the support received.

MANUAL

• English version.
• Italian version.
• Macedonian version.
• Portuguese version.
• Spanish version.

 

Italy

It was held at Bitonto, June-October 2024.

 

North Macedonia

It was held at Cavardaci, February.April 2025.

 

Portugal

It was held at Gondomar, December 2024-March 2025.

 

Spain

It was held at Zaragoza, January-March 2025.

 

MOBILITIES

1-3 July 2024, Bitonto (Italy)

 

 

LOCAL EVENTS

Within the framework of Activity 2, four local events were held in the participating countries: Spain, Italy, Portugal, and North Macedonia. These events consisted of sustainable creativity exhibitions, where beneficiaries of the training programme in tailoring and craftwork with recycled materials presented their creations to the local community. Organised following the implementation phase of the workshops, which included modules on custom repairs, original tailoring creations, packaging/gadgets/merchandising, and manufacturing from waste, these events served as a platform to promote socio-labour inclusion and highlight the entrepreneurial potential of vulnerable individuals, such as migrants, long-term unemployed, and women from single-parent families.

These local events not only assessed the skills acquired by participants, through the presentation of practical projects, but also promoted the dissemination of results via community networks and marketing opportunities. Inspired by the initial study visit to Italy, where best practices in creative reuse and social tailoring were shared, the events contributed to the establishment of training hubs adapted to local contexts, aligning with the project’s goals of enhancing employability and sustainability. In this way, the exhibitions became a bridge between the acquired training and the labour market, empowering participants and raising societal awareness about the importance of the circular economy in social inclusion.

SPAIN