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Re-X Clinic: Upcycling Soft Plastics into Usable Fabric

The collage shows three images related to gardening and composting. The left image features various potted plants and large black fabric planters on the steps of a house, while the top right image shows a yellow container filled with compost materials like cardboard and eggshells, and the bottom right image shows the same container with dark, rich compost soil.
Introductory - No experience required
Age Requirement : 18+ and minors 13+ with Guardian Supervision

Instructor: Young Le


 Registration is closed for this event
Welcome back to re-X Clinic series where we reduce, reuse, redesign, reclaim materials before recycling or sending tired items to landfills. This month we are gathering to make reusable "fabric" from soft plastic. You will be able to make a tote bag from your fabric, and the pattern that the instructor will share.

Soft plastic is the most overlooked material in the world of upcycling. Yet, it can be recycled with everyday household equipment. Join us on Monday October 21 to find out how. Each participant will be able to create a sheet of plastic “fabric” made from a base layer and a skin layer. The participant can use the completed fabric in a variety of ways.

Please bring plastic to use and to share. 

Soft Plastic for Your Base Layer:

**Green Bean Coffee Bags** - Ask coffee roasters for these thick, durable soft 
plastics. They may need a wipe to remove coffee crumbs but are generally
clean.
**Mattress Covers** - Available at any mattress store.
**Pallet Wrapping** - Found at any warehouse or logistics company. This thin material layers and bonds well.
**BubbleWrap** - Check electronic stores, logistics, or removal companies. It's
also great for the skin layer as it's transparent and textured.

*Note:* Avoid tarpaulin and UV-coated plastics as they don't bond well. They are better for traditional cut-and-sew projects.

*Soft Plastic for Your Skin Layer:

**Food Packaging** - Ask local cafes or restaurants for their soft plastics. Bonus if they’re clean, but consider using gloves.
**Fruit Netting Bags** - Often found with fruit in stores, e.g., 'The Odd Bunch' bags in Australia.
**Fashion E-commerce Shipping Slips** - Clear plastic bags used for transporting 
shirts and pants. Fashion retail outlets usually discard many of these.
**Store Retail Bags** - Durable bags with color, typography, or branding, used for carrying purchases.**

 

When
Thursday July 18th, 2024 from  6:00 PM to  9:00 PM
Location
MakeHaven
770 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510
United States
Contact
Event Fee(s)
Registration Fee $5.00

Instructor or Event Lead

Young Le

She/Her/Hers

Areas: Entrepreneurship, Plastics, Textiles

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Event and Workshop Info

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Accessibility

Our facilities undergo periodic reviews to maximize ADA compliance. We offer accessible bathrooms, elevators, and wide walkways. In tool usage, we aim for universal access and work individually to adapt tools for safe usage as necessary. If you anticipate needing an adaptation to participate in this event or have further questions, please contact us at events@makehaven.org.