Fast Fashion Part 2

In October 2021 we visited Stott Park Bobbin Mill in the Lake District with 14 members of the Kendal Home Educated Group. During our day on site, we explored the social and environmental impact of the fashion industry over the last 250 years by taking part in a series of creative activities designed by the participants of part one of our Fast Fashion project.

“Fast fashion is a design, manufacturing, and marketing method focused on rapidly producing high volumes of clothing…These cheaply made, trendy pieces have resulted in an industry-wide movement towards overwhelming amounts of consumption. Unfortunately, this results in harmful impacts on the environment, garment workers, and, ultimately, consumers’ wallets.”

– Audrey Stanton, The Good Trade

Our day at the mill started with learning about the industrialisation of the fashion industry which sites like Stott Park Bobbin Mill were part of, the mill helped to supply the millions of Bobbins that were used by the Lancashire textile industry from 1835 onwards.

We all got the chance to tour the Mill, learn more about working there, and the role it played in the industrial revolution. Stott Park is the ONLY working Bobbin Mill left in the Lake District and we were lucky enough to see the historic machines in operation.

We also walked to High Dam, the body of water which powered Stott Park Bobbin Mill until it switched over to electricity in 1941. On our walk, we completed a series of challenges such as taking a selfie with the tallest tree, finding the brightest leaf, and gathering foliage and natural objects, as well as looking for evidence of how industry had shaped the landscape around the mill.

“”[This activity day has made me feel] more connected to nature and the humans of the past” ”

Fast Fashion 2 Participant

After discovering more about the role Stott Park Bobbin Mill played in the evolution of the fashion industry, and after reflecting on our own fashion choices, we took part in a creative sewing bee challenge, set for us by the participants of Fast Fashion Part 1.

We used the foliage and natural object we had gathered on our walk to High Dam, to customise modern cotton tote bags with fabric dyes. We also had a go at sewing some Victorian-style reticule bags. Check out this photo of one of our designs!

At the end of the day, we took our creations home. Because the bags are made from cotton, we know that when we use them we will be helping the environment by reducing our use of single-use plastic, and at the same time sharing our own interpretations of the heritage and landscape of Stott Park.

“Thanks so much for such a great day that you provided. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and it re kindled our love of getting together and learning stuff. It was the first time since lockdown that we’d had a learning day together!”

Kate, Leader of Kendal Home Ed Group