Last Thursday saw the launch of our Sew It Forward campaign - whilst many Londoners frantically geared up for the biggest shopping day of the year, we were celebrating a project which aims to slow consumption.

Sew It Forward  is designed to encourage people to share their sewing skills. To some extent the event was an experiment - we know how great it can feel to repair our clothes or even make something from scratch but  we didn't know if our guests would get into the ethos, or if they were just coming for the free wine and canapés! (we wouldn't blame them if they were - the nibbles provided by award-winning sustainable caterers Squid & Pear were amazing).

It seems our hunch was right and the skills sharing element of the event was a great success. Guests who learnt a new skill on the night pledged to 'Sew It Forward' and pass on their newfound skills.  We will tell you more about the event, our marvelous supporters and what was created very soon, but for now we want to tell you about the Sew It Forward gift voucher which you can download at the bottom of this blog.

As an alternative to expensive, sometimes un-wanted and wasteful presents this Christmas we have created a lovely voucher for you to give as a gift. You can print the voucher, fill it in and give it to a friend or family member with the promise that you will teach them to sew, knit, darn, mend, crochet or even macrame! Many of us have skills we take for granted but sharing your skills and time (and a maybe a jug of mulled wine) with someone else really does give a rather warm glow. Plus it can help them prolong the life of their clothes and save them money too.

Do let us know if you give someone the Sew It Forward voucher - we'd love to hear your stories and see your photos. You can even leave your pledge on our Sew It Forward page. We also hope you will share this link but please do ask us before publishing the voucher online or in a print publication.

This voucher is not for commercial use. By printing the voucher you are agreeing that it's for personal use only and must not be sold.

Photographer: Susanne Hakuba