Introducing SFW Hub: Bath // Norland

Introducing our Hub partner in Central Bath, Norland! We warmly welcome Norland back for their second year participating in SFW.

We chat to Kate Jaegar, one of the sewing lecturers at Norland and one half of the team behind the activities taking place this September.

Can you tell us a little bit about Norland (for those who may not know!):

Kate:

“Norland was established in 1892, and I’ve been lucky to teach here for over 10 years with some amazing colleagues.  My interest in sustainability started with my family where the values of careful use and making things last were passed down from relatives who lived through wartime. I learnt to cook from scratch, grow vegetables and sew.  From this seed, a love of sewing grew and led me to study a fashion degree focusing on sustainability, natural fibres and dyes. While completing my degree, I was selected to represent the UK as one of the young designers showcasing work at the Louvre in Paris, as part of the UNESCO Design 21 competition — a celebration of emerging talent and sustainable design for future generations. 

After leaving university, I pursued various avenues to explore my passion for sewing in creative industries.  I worked in the fashion industry, and for many years as a costumier. Eventually I transitioned into teaching, feeling it was my mission in life to teach people how to sew. 

Do you/ have you taken part in any other initiatives in the community (food banks, Repair Cafes, climate coalitions etc)? 

We have an active charitable and community programme. Norland staff, students and the local community have recently completed a 12x12ft panel that will be part of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt which, once complete, will be the height of the tower.  

What are your aims for taking part in SFW?

To offer opportunities for young people to learn and explore stitching in a relaxed, fun, and supportive environment — helping them build skills, confidence, and a love for making. 

Do you have any guiding principles that your organisation uses?

Children are at the heart of everything we do at Norland. Our founding mottoes are ‘Love Never Faileth’ and ‘Strength in Adversity’.

Are there any fun facts about you/ your team that you’d like to share? 

I teach sewing alongside my lovely colleague Jo. Remarkably, we both studied at the same university in Nottingham and, although we were studying Fashion Design at similar times and both interested in sustainable fashion, being in different years meant our paths never crossed! 

How would you recommend we can “Reclaim Fashion”?  

Donating clothes is a good start — but we must also shop second-hand. This supports a circular economy that keeps clothes in use for as long as possible and reduces waste. Don’t be driven by trends. Be creative with your style, stay true to what you love, and wear what makes you feel good. 

Quick Fire Questions

What piece of advice would you recommend to someone trying to change their fashion habits for the better? 

Only shop for what you actually need. Take a moment to ask yourself if you’ll wear it often and if it really fills a gap in your wardrobe. 

Which issue do you feel is the most important to address in the fashion industry? 

Policy needs to change. Some companies knowingly overproduce by up to 40%, creating huge amounts of waste. Without regulation, the cycle continues — we need laws that hold brands accountable for what they make and what happens to it. 

What is your favourite wardrobe staple? 

A scarf! It’s small, portable, and instantly makes you feel warmer — plus, it can completely transform an outfit. I rarely leave the house without one.”

You can learn more about the courses on offer at Norland work via their website here.

Take a look at their previous activities as part of SFW in our previous programmes here.