A TEAM of Somerset seamstresses is offering people the chance to have their old clothing and homewares re-purposed in a bid to reduce the amount of fabric going to landfill (September 2021).
Tica Lily in Somerton says according to the charity WRAP there’s unused clothing worth around £30 billion in UK wardrobes and approximately £140 million goes to landfill annually.
Director, Carole Champion, says: “We specialise in making lovely linen homewares and other bespoke handmade products, but as part of our planet-positive ethos we’ve also officially launched a service to help people extend the useful life of their clothes and to give them our expert ideas on how they can repurpose items to help boost their sustainability.
“We’re supporting the WRAP Love Your Clothes campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the value of clothes and encourage people to make the most of the clothes they already have.
“But we’re not just limited to clothing either, we can help people spruce up any homewares and furniture made of fabric that they wish to refurbish and keep, rather than buying something new. As well as the environmental benefit of doing this, there are also lots of other plus points including saving the cost of buying new and the potential sentimental value of the pieces in question. We can also help repair much-loved things to keep them going for longer.
“During the last 18 months, it has been widely reported that as a nation we’ve all either lost weight in the lockdowns or gained it. So, some of us might have an item in our wardrobe that needs loosening or taking in and we can do that too. Give us a call to arrange a time to pop in and see one of our seamstresses, who will be delighted to give you some free and informal advice and to help with you with your requirements.”
Tica Lily, which has just unveiled a new mail order collection of environmentally sound bespoke bedding and home textile products, aims to make items that are planet-friendly while also being stylish and practical too.
“The products we create are made from linen, which is a sustainable fabric. The whole flax plant can be woven into a fibre, so there’s almost no waste left over from the spinning and weaving process. It also offers tremendous durability and longevity, better than most other materials.
“Our wonderful seamstresses use their experience and know-how to make handmade items to order. While we do off the peg options, most of our products are crafted to each of our customer’s specifications.
“In addition to the products we make for mail order nationwide, we can also do repairs and adjustments, offer upholstery services and create custom-made orders. Thus, helping people retain their treasured items for longer and saving the planet’s scarce resources at the same time.”
The Tica Lily team has experience in upholstery and creating covers for various items in various shapes and sizes including numerous vehicles, musical instruments, garden equipment and soft furnishings.
It is the sister company to Cartim Recyclables, which creates 100% recyclable industrial gowns for hairdressers, barbers and the personal care industry.
Carole adds: “To help anyone keen not to buy new, but to look after and keep what they have for longer, boost their sustainability and care for the planet, we’re offering repairs and upholstery services for fabric areas on furniture, as well as doing clothing updates, mending and alterations, and recycling materials to make curtains and covers for all manner of items.
“Recently we’ve repaired counterpanes, covers for sofas, chairs and motorhome furnishings, mended several pairs of curtains, as well as replacing endless zips and fastenings! Our talented team can help with pretty much anything.”
For more information about Tica Lily, which is based at Somerton Business Park, please call 01458 272057 or visit www.Ticalily.co.uk.
