Natalie Ifill

About the practice

The Preloved Studio is a creative, community-focused space based at Canons House, Mitcham, with a mission to reduce textile waste, encourage sustainable fashion and give pre-loved materials a new lease of life. Through our regular drop-in sewing sessions, people can bring along clothes to repair, alter or upcycle, or get creative using our selection of pre-loved fabrics and materials, sourced through generous donations and textile scrap schemes. Whether learning to sew for the first time or developing existing skills, our sessions offer a welcoming space to get creative, build confidence and make more sustainable choices. We also run a varied programme of creative and informative workshops, sharing practical skills and inspiring people to rethink their relationship with clothing and textiles. From sewing and mending to upcycling and traditional textile crafts, our workshops encourage creativity while demonstrating how small changes can help reduce waste and support a more circular approach to fashion. Our makerspace provides a quieter, dedicated environment for individuals, makers and start-up businesses to work on their own creative projects, develop ideas and make use of the space to support their practice. The Preloved Studio is part of Sustainable Merton, Merton's independent environmental charity. Since 2007, Sustainable Merton has been helping local people create a healthier, greener and more connected borough. By bringing people together and making sustainable action accessible to everyone, the charity empowers communities to lead change and create lasting benefits for both people and the planet. Together, we're building a more creative, connected and sustainable future, one stitch at a time.