A year of repairs, alterations, creativity, hard work, meetings, satisfactions, growth… has flown by since our official opening.
Today, February 18th, The Atelier indeed marks its first year. 🎉
But do you know how the idea of it came together?
The Atelier is the result of a series of experiences that Blagovesta and I have gone through, experiences where we could leverage some of the skills we brought with us from our respective home countries.
In 2018, after almost a year in Denmark, I decided to join a project called Materiale Centralen, an NGO that aimed to raise awareness about the amount of waste materials produced by today’s society and how many of these materials are still good for reuse.
Sewing has always been a passion, so I found my role in the project in the textile section. I recovered an old sewing machine and started collecting fabrics and soft materials to use in the project’s workshops.
It was here that I met Blagovesta, an Environmental Artist, Fashion designer, artist, and craftswoman.
Together, we started experimenting, designing workshops, until we launched and managed a monthly workshop at Copenhagen Fablab, where we taught how to repair, alter, or customize clothes.
This collaboration lasted about 14 months. This period was one of the most stimulating because through this experience, we realized that we were not only capable of repairing but also of repairing with creativity and teaching others, making them passionate about the endless possibilities that sewing offers.
After the pandemic and life changes, in September 2023, we decided to rent this small basement and start something inspired by what we had experienced during our volunteer years.
Today, I am very happy with how the Atelier is taking shape, adapting to the needs of the area. Until now, we have been involved in repairs, alterations, workshops, consultations, and the personalized creation of items for the home and clothing. It’s rewarding to offer services that the local community needs.
We liked the idea of having a dynamic job in the workshop, transforming all the precious materials we have recovered into something new, meeting people who share our values, and designing, creating, sewing.
The premature and unexpected departure of Blagovesta has, of course, left a great wound in all of us and marks a transitional moment in the history of the Atelier. And therefore I had the urge to share with all of you our history.
To do not forget her contribution and presence in the project.
Blagovesta wrote about herself:
I am an Environmental Artist educated in Fine arts, Graphic design, Fashion design and Ecology. The urge for art and nature brought me to the path of upcycling and repurposing.
I’ve been trying all my life to find my way through learning deferent techniques, experimenting with materials and trying to get more attached with the nature, till few years ago when I realized that upcycling and repurposing is the answer! More creativity less impact!
Blago divide her creation into four groups: art, printing, jewellery and upcycling. As different as they are, they are all Blago!
We will miss you Blago!
So, the first year comes to a close, and we enter a new year that already promises novelties. Classes, workshops and new collections are already in the planning.
Thanks for being part of our journey! 🎉
Valeria
