A research project by Creative Lives, supported by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities

Crafting Sustainable Communities is a research project by Creative Lives’ PhD Intern Alana McPake from the University of Glasgow. 

Community craft groups were mindful of how and what materials they used, long before ‘sustainability’, ‘eco-friendly’, or ‘green’ made their way into our vocabulary. Yet their sustainable practices have often been overlooked.

Our new report champions amateur activity as a force for environmental good. This report highlights the creative work of these groups, explores some of the barriers to doing more, and celebrates the role of community craft in working towards a more sustainable society.

The following groups were interviewed as case studies for the research: 

• Rags to Stitches – a weekly textile craft group for adults based at Sandy’s Community Centre in Craigmillar, Edinburgh. 
• Acorn Quilters – a patchwork and quilting group in Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
• R:evolve Recycle – a social enterprise with shops in Cambuslang and Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. 
• Remake Scotland – a community reuse charity operating in Crieff, Perthshire. 
• Knit and Natter – a knitting group that meets at Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre, Dundonald, Ayrshire.

Read the full report below (via ISSUU) or download a PDF copy. 

If you would like this report in a different format, please email us at [email protected].