Studio Nōr Søm og Redesign is a sewing and textile repair studio based in Nesodden, Norway. It addresses the growing problem of textile waste and the fast fashion industry by offering repair, alteration, and upcycling services for clothing and textiles. The studio enables people to extend the lifespan of their garments, reduce consumption, and foster a culture of reuse and creativity.

Problem

The fashion industry is a major polluter, and Norwegians throw away large amounts of clothing each year. Many people lack the skills or time to mend or alter their own clothes, leading to premature disposal and increased demand for new textiles. This creates environmental, social, and economic challenges locally and globally.

Challenges

• Changing consumer habits from buying new to repairing/reusing
• Educating the public on the value of repair and upcycling
• Competing with low-cost, fast fashion alternatives
• Financial sustainability of small repair businesses

Solution

Studio Nōr offers practical repair services (hemming, button replacement, mending tears), creative upcycling (turning old materials into new clothing or accessories), and bespoke tailoring. It also provides workshops to teach repair and redesign skills, strengthening community ties and building local capacity for circular practices. By making repair visible, accessible, and desirable, Studio Nōr is shifting attitudes and behaviours around clothing use.

The initiative also functions as a social enterprise, providing local employment opportunities, including for people with barriers to traditional employment. It raises awareness about resource use and the value of upcycling, engaging the community in circular practices.