Join Alisa in the Preston Gallery and learn how to reclaim everyday materials to use in your creative projects.
Turn the worn, the loved, and the forgotten into creative gold. Reclaiming: Tips and Tricks is a two-hour demo and hands-on workshop focused on transforming discarded clothing and textiles into usable materials for art making.
Together, we’ll explore practical techniques like unraveling sweaters to reclaim the yarn, turning T-shirts, skirts, and pants into fabric yarn, harvesting trims and notions, and felting wool sweaters for new forms and surfaces. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to prepare materials for future projects.
This workshop also invites collective imagination—we’ll brainstorm inventive ways to reclaim and rework materials, sharing ideas and inspiration as a group. Perfect for artists, crafters, and curious makers looking to work more sustainably and creatively.
Come ready to deconstruct, experiment, and see old clothes with fresh eyes.
This workshop is presented as part of Belonging: Artist in Residence. All materials are provided, no experience necessary.
Belonging Artist in Residence is made possible through the generous support of the Keith and Winifred Shantz Fund for the Arts held at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Accessibility
If you require an accessibility accommodation for this program or event, please tell us how we can meet your needs as soon as possible so arrangements can be organized. If you require a sign language interpreter, please let us know at least two-weeks (10 working weekdays) before the program date.
If you are attending a registered program with a support person, please add your support worker as a guest when you sign up.
COST: Free
AGE GROUP: | Cambridge Art Galleries | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Programs + Workshops |
| Mon, Jan 05 | 10:00AM to 8:30PM |
| Tue, Jan 06 | 10:00AM to 8:30PM |
| Wed, Jan 07 | 10:00AM to 8:30PM |
| Thu, Jan 08 | 10:00AM to 8:30PM |
| Fri, Jan 09 | 10:00AM to 5:30PM |
| Sat, Jan 10 | 9:30AM to 5:30PM |
| Sun, Jan 11 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM |
The Preston location is a public library and art gallery. This location is home to the Preston Community Garden, Seed Library and Tool Library.
Be inspired at Idea Exchange in Cambridge! Connect with the public libraries and public art galleries of Cambridge. Idea Exchange supports and inspires our community with an environment of discovery for people of all ages.