Youth Sewing Workshop Recap

Building on the success of previous intergenerational programs—like the popular youth cooking classes held in Mabou last spring—the Municipality of Inverness County hosted a youth sewing workshop on Wednesday, October 22, as part of Waste Reduction Week celebrations.

Seven children, ages 5 to 11, joined instructor Josephine Williams to learn basic sewing skills and create one-of-a-kind bags from thrifted flannel shirts. The hands-on activity encouraged creativity and introduced youth to practical repair and upcycling skills—showing how simple actions can give textiles a new life and keep them out of the landfill.

Solid Waste Educator Nicole Latimer, who organized the event, said she received enthusiastic feedback from both parents and participants, including stories of kids going home to teach their grandparents the sewing techniques they had learned.

“It’s exciting to see young people take an interest in repairing and reusing,” said Latimer. “These small skills can make a big difference—not just for reducing waste, but for building confidence and independence.”

Workshops like this one help youth gain the confidence to make small clothing repairs—such as hemming pants, mending seams, or sewing on buttons—skills that can extend the life of clothing and reduce textile waste. Textiles such as clothing and blankets are one of the fastest-growing types of waste in Nova Scotia, making up nearly 18% of landfill space in 2023.

Waste Reduction Week

Organized each October during Circular Economy Month, Waste Reduction Week encourages Canadians to rethink how they use and reuse everyday items. This year, Divert Nova Scotia’s theme—Swap, Share, Thrift, Repair—focused on extending the life of products through creative reuse and repair. The municipality’s youth sewing workshop reflected that message while continuing its commitment to offering meaningful, skill-building opportunities for young residents.