Unique makes,
rooted in sustainability
The story (& passion) behind Sew Helen Richardson
I love how we are changing in the UK. Most people care more about how much they buy, and also how much they throw away. We are also becoming more creative about how we can repurpose belongings – even if that is just selling on a second-hand platform. And we are getting better at upcycling within the home. That is wonderful.
The ethos behind Sew Helen Richardson is reducing landfill and keeping things in use as long as possible. I take unwanted items, such as leather jackets and leather sofas and upcycle them into beautiful, unique and affordable handbags. Or upcycle bedding or curtains into clothing and kimonos.
I love sewing but by upcycling waste materials and unwanted textiles I only ever make one of something. It gives me a buzz knowing I am saving things from rotting in the tip - giving them new life for many more years. But also enjoy seeing all the unique things that appear at the end of the process. No two things are the same and I love that. I used to buy leather bags but always knew that thousands were made exactly the same. Now I upcycle pre-loved fabrics and leather I can make bags to suit everyone’s unique style - rather than the masses. I love bag making, but I also make clothes, cushions and whatever I can re-imagine, from old curtains, duvet covers or anything else that comes my way.
Where do I get my leather to upcycle?
Jackets, skirts, trousers etc: these are usually picked up from my local charity shop or from online marketplaces. And, of course, I happily receive any that people want to donate for upcycling.
Industry waste: I also buy new industrial leather waste from my local scrap store, when they have it it. Recently I contacted a leather wholesaler about 60 miles away (Yarwood Leather in Leeds). They said I could visit and buy their leather waste. I bought a whopping 81kg of it on my first visit. Industrial leather waste if usually marked up with chalk marks to indicate where there are flaws are. These chalk marks wash off. I can then decide if these sections of leather are still perfectly usable for bag making. Or I can cut around the flaws and use the smaller sections for my accessories.
Sofas and chairs: I look on Facebook Marketplace and see if anyone locally wants to dispose of their old leather sofas. See more about this on the ‘Behind the Scenes’ page.
How people feel about Sew Helen Richardson using upcycled and reclaimed materials…..
Love this bag! Totally unique and it feels really well made. I love that it's been made using recycled materials and has given a new lease of life to an old jacket. I also love how the jacket pocket has been incorporated into the bag. I'm expecting this to be my handbag for years now! …. Vicky, Bristol
WOW! Helen's Kimonos are beautiful with impeccable craftsmanship. I wear kimonos on a daily basis to my art gallery and have received so many compliments on the one I have worn so far. My second purchase will be worn at the Christmas party. So glad I found Helen as I think it is so wonderful this unique material is being saved from landfill. I will be purchasing more soon……Sarah, Telford
Thank you Helen, your work is exquisite! So pleased with the handbag and the recipient … well her words “wonderful”. The leather used is so soft and tactile and has that unique leather smell . Just to say will definitely purchase again from Sew Helen Richardson and what fantastic value . Love the idea that Helen is saving all this leather going to landfill and it’s been used to make something practical and beautiful!
Thank you Helen. You have a new convert x …..Jayne, East Yorkshire
Love this bag so much, it was exactly what I wanted! The leather is beautifully worn and soft, it’s just the right size and the rectangle shape makes it easy to find my stuff in! Also love the funky lining and beautiful packaging and the fact that no one else will have one like it! Thank you x … Rose, Ashford
