It’s time to start upcycling your home!

Crafters are pioneers of the upcycling movement – we’ve been creatively recycling and reviving materials long before the term was first coined! We caught up with Barley Massey and Melanie Porter, two women who love to upcycle old objects with knitting.

Now a widespread phenomenon, it seems the world has followed suit and the upcycling is here to stay. It is the process by which disposable or discarded items are reused to make them valuable, useful, or aesthetically pleasing. Designed to work in opposition to consumer culture, it encourages people to think of new and innovative ways to use things, instead of simply buying more. It also benefits the environment by promoting reuse over waste whenever possible.

We caught up with Barley Massey, the founder of Hackney store Fabrications, to find out her thoughts on the subject.

Why should we upcycle?

Millions of tons of textile waste goes to landfill every year. Not only are we throwing away useful resources, but the true value in terms of the time and energy in sourcing and making these materials has not been fully realised. Upcycling helps us tap into the ‘less is more’ design approach. We actually become more creative and inventive when we use what we already have or limit our choices. This thrifty approach also saves money!

Do you ever upcycle woollen items?

Oh yes! I have worked with waste salvage from woollen mills. It works really well on giant knitting needles, which we stock. They create brilliant rugs, cushion covers, pouffes, collars for coats and more!

When did you first become passionate about upcycling?

I started from an early age, although my family didn’t really give it a name, we just reused what was around. In my Upcycling Academy, people learn hands-on skills and get experimental with materials. Upcycling also celebrates memories and emotions attached to materials. In my ‘Remember Me’ service, people bring their lost loved one’s clothes to be transformed into a new items such as a cushion, quilt or even a bear. It’s surprising how much comfort this process and the new object can bring.

Knitwear designer Melanie Porter is no stranger to upcycling, with her striking restored furniture pieces. We found out where she gets her inspiration.

How did you start upcycling?

I was working as a knitwear designer for a mail order cashmere company, but I was beginning to miss physically making things and decided to try to revamp a couple of old chairs I had. I couldn’t find a fabric that I liked so decided to make my own. The reaction I had to the first few pieces I made was so positive that I decided to make it into a business!

Why did you choose wool as your main medium?

I experimented with several different fibres and found that wool gave the best result. It creates a soft yet hardwearing material which is easy to control during the felting process.

Do you have any tips for beginners?

Before starting, I’d advise anyone to get to know the fibre and its possibilities. There are wonderful resources available for people working in wool including the The Campaign for Wool and Woolmark who can offer information.

Where does your inspiration come from?

When working for a client I often take inspiration from details in their homes. Colours in a fireplace tile or pattern on a cushion often offer wonderful starting points for bespoke pieces. I also make off the peg items where I have found a chair which inspires a particular colourway or pattern.