Discover the skills for creating a sustainable future
Thread of Life’s workshops bring sustainable textile skills to life. From creative crafts to machine sewing, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge in a fun and accessible environment that makes sustainable living simple. Workshops are headed up by Abigail Wastie, a former luxury fashion insider who is dedicated to advocating for a more ethical and sustainable future.
All sessions are bespoke, whether you’re looking for a corporate sustainability workshop or a community sewing class.
Thread of Life is also a registered Alternative Education Provider based in Derby, working closely with young people to deliver inclusive textile classes for all abilities. Book your workshop today | Discover upcoming events on the calendar.
Sustainable Activist Textile Educator
As a sustainability activist, Abigail has created a community of individuals passionate to learn and practice ethical ways of living and dressing.
Abigail bring together folk who are keen to learn about ethical living, with practitioners, makers, industry experts and artists at The Ethical Atelier.
Abigail started the uniform project in 2021 researching what uniforms British children are wearing and how informed parents are about the ecological impact of their childrens uniform.
Abigail is on a mission to find accessible ecological alternatives to the synthetic British school uniform our children are wearing.
Partnering with Derby Museums, Adam Blencowe in 2023 and then John Smedley in 2024.
The project was awarded Art funding in 2024 with the project starting in September 2025, providing Derby School students with the opportunity to design, develop and market their own sustainable British wool school jumper with local manufacturers John Smedley in Matlock, Derbyshire.
Abigail is also developing patterns for the trousers and skirts, with tutorials to teach.
Latest Projects
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Creative Thursday
A creative after school club run by The Virtual School at The Museum of Making. Thread of Life students have made Organic tracksuits, printed sweatshirts, rucksacks, British wool teddy bags, pajamas and dressing gowns!
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VS Feste
A creative festival to celebrate Derbyshire's Virtual School care experienced children creative joy! With a host of different artist led workshops Thread of Life helped 60 students construct their own organic cotton tote bag, using a sewing machine.
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The Uniform Project
Part of Derby Museums wool project takeover. Derbyshire students in partnership with John Smedley Knitwear Manufacturer will create a sustainable School uniform jumper using British Wool, amongst discussion about fast fashion contribution to the climate crisis. With thanks to funding from ARTFUND
Events & Programmes
Abigail teaches most of her workshops in her studio in Allestree, Derby as well as in conjunction with events at The Museum of Making in the city centre.
If you would like to make a general enquiry about our workshops and projects, please use the contact form here. If you would like to enquire about our alternative educational provision, please use the booking form here.
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