Description
In this 3 hour workshop Ali Clifford @incredibusy will be guiding you in the art of carefully repairing holes and breathing new life into your clothes.
Ali will be sharing the fundamentals of how to use the ‘incredibusy’ darning loom, handmade in the UK from salvaged materials, the design inspired by the original 1950s speed loom. This is a handcrafted tool designed to simplify the process of darning and repairing small snags in fabric.
There will also be an option to purchase your own incredibusy salvaged speed loom at the end of the day.
We suggest that you bring along with you, a sock, a jumper, or something with a small hole to repair and practice on.
CLICK here for a workshop near you. Next London workshop 3 December 2025
CLICK here to purchase your own Salvaged Speed Loom
“I love this little loom and how it turns mending from a chore into a small act of creativity. By selecting a few colours of yarn and setting up a simple warp, a patch of weave almost magically appears.
Ali has ensured that not only does her loom encourage us to care and repair our clothes and consume less, but also the loom is equally ethical, having been sourced from recycled materials. I especially enjoyed hearing that the hooks were made from bicycle spokes! So pleased to own this special little bit of kit.”
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Kate A –
This workshop by Ali has given me such confidence in repairing our clothes and the art of visible mending with the speed loom is so therapeutic, time flies! Ali is wonderfully warm, welcoming and very talented at going at a pace to suit everyone. The vibe was relaxed and it was lovely to chat with others in the workshop. I am a complete newbie when it comes to repairing my clothes so the fact I came away with a fully patched over hole and a now useable pair of wool trousers for my son, was a delight! I have purchased one of her beautiful Speed Looms made from reclaimed bicycle parts and I now look forward to spending my winter evenings working through the pile of clothes that have holes. Highly recommend Ali’s workshops – the group size was perfect!
Jenny –
Thank you Ali for a wonderful workshop. It was such a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time on a chilly autumnal morning. And what a beautiful space overlooking Ham Common. I thoroughly recommend these workshops and look forward to trying out my new skills on my backlog of moth-eaten jumpers!
Ali Clifford –
I’m so delighted that you came along to the workshop Jenny, really lovely to have you with us.
And delighted that you’ll be repairing those jumpers – good news!
Georgie Kyriacou –
This workshop was both thoroughly enjoyable and well taught and practical. Ali created a lovely atmosphere for learning, supplied us all well with lots of yarn colour choice, and demonstrated the technique clearly and patiently, giving us all individual attention when we needed it. I purchased one of her looms at the end and have been practising at home – I’ve been pleasantly surprised that I could remember exactly how to do it which is testament to Ali’s teaching! Add in good company, coffee and homemade cake – a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Georgie Kyriacou, attended the No.11 Kitchen, Ham Common workshop April 2024
09/04/2025
Rhiannon Llewellyn –
Loved this workshop. Wonderful to sit with other like-minded humans in the most beautiful home in London whilst drinking tea and eating delicious homemade cake. Ali is just brilliant and I love how she’s developed this product in line with all of her ethical and environmental values, and is now promoting make do and mend. wonderful stuff, would recommend to anyone who like to keep busy with their hands 🙂
Ali Clifford –
Rhiannon I was so delighted to read this today, my son was looking over my shoulder and said “ah that’s really nice, how kind and wholesome” which sums you up! Wasn’t it a lovely place to hold a workshop – Kate Ridyard Calligraphy is such a creative host herself so I hope we can meet up there again soon, big love, Ali x
Eloise Dethier-Eaton –
I am a novice to darning, but I did one of Ali’s brilliant workshops, and immediately felt at ease. Inevitably, threads get tangled at first, but Ali was calm, collected and very helpful. The overall atmosphere of the workshop was really relaxed and jolly.
The mini loom is the perfect companion for continuing to darn at home, speeding up the process and keeping it simple. Small but mighty, I’m a big fan of this little tool.
The added bonus is that Ali has put lots of work into sourcing the materials for its production both ethically and sustainably, re-using otherwise discarded materials and working in partnership with artisans to put it together. That’s what we like to hear 🙂
Ali Clifford –
Eloise thank you – I loved teaching you, that’s very kind of you to leave such a nice review for the loom and for the workshop – really – massively appreciate the feedback – have fun with the loom and you know where I am if you have any questions x
Judith –
I actually managed to darn something! Looking back on the workshop brings back a feeling of calm and focus. We all worked at our own pace with full support from Ali at all times. If you are looking for a speedloom workshop, then look no further. I am actually considering signing up for a second workshop; what more can I say?
Ali Clifford –
Oh thank you Judith ☺️ that’s so kind of you – you were a joy to teach, I’m running a smaller class at a great location near Petersham next week and there’s just two spots left if you fancy it https://incredibusy.com/product/repair-workshop-with-the-incredibusy-salvaged-speed-loom-at-no-11-kitchen-ham-common/ x
Pippa –
I had so much fun at Ali’s mending workshop. She is such a delight and really made the day with her warmth, patience, support and knowledge. I highly recommend doing a workshop with her.
Ali Clifford –
that was such a fun workshop Pippa, a really good crowd – and I really appreciate you taking the time to send this review, have a lovely week x
rosa dias –
What a wonderful workshop , I loved every single minute of it . Ali is an amazing teacher , nothing phases her , there is always a solution to someone’s mistake . She is a total joy .
Ali Clifford –
Awww shucks – that’s nice Rosa, I do honestly love it when people “make mistakes” as it’s really a great learning experience for me too – I guess they aren’t mistakes, they are just different paths to the same solution of giving your much loved garment a longer, cherished life. Big love to you x
Dawn Trevor –
Thanks Ali, I attended your workshop as part of GlowSew, it was great fun. What a brilliant tool, making repairs interesting features and fun to do too. Would definitely recommend xx
Ali Clifford –
Lovely to hear from you Dawn, so glad you enjoyed the incredibusy salvaged speed loom workshop,
And delighted that you are enjoying your repairs, with love, Ali x
Sirle –
What a great workshop! Loved learning how to add visible mending to my sweater with a nasty stain. Of course then I was so excited about the salvaged loom and how nice the stitching turned out, I had to purchase the loom also. The workshop is highly recommended if visible mending is something you have been admiring. I love my sweater even more now I have added my touch to it.
I also love Ali’s energy and her passion for sustainable fashion and extending the life cycle of the garment. It was so inspiring to see her normal socks being mended also. Now here I am sitting with pile of my worn out socks, waiting for their new life.
Thank you Ali!
Ali Clifford –
Sirle it was an absolute treat to have you along to our Shoreditch workshop. You are a great student, very diligent, and I loved the video you made of the evening
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDJbTQGMHs_/ that made me so happy! thank you for joining us, Ali x
Kat –
Ali taught me how to use her salvaged speed loom at a workshop that was a collaboration with the shop Palava. The two hours went by in a flash and it was such a lovely chilled vibe. Ali is a patient and clear teacher who gave all her students one to one time so we could master the skill at our own pace! I didn’t feel any pressure to buy a loom but of course by the end of the workshop I was totally in love with mine so did end up purchasing it and am looking forward to practicing more. It was also great to see all of Ali’s example pieces for inspiration. Thanks Ali!
Ali Clifford –
Kat, this is the nicest feedback ever! Thank you so much, and to be back at Palava in Kings Cross was a delight. A great crowd of visible mending students, who I LOVED teaching. It’s great to see the satisfaction as a woven repair pattern starts to appear, and the joy of mending something that’s been longing to be worn again is palpable!
Kathy Forsyth –
The Salvaged Speed Loom Repair Workshop was sooooo good!
Fin and I had such a fantastic time, and I’m genuinely proud of the woven repair I created. We learned loads in just two hours your guidance made all the difference, you’re a great teacher Ali.
Ali Clifford –
What a lovely workshop that was, thank you both for coming along, you both picked it up really quickly and made the designs your own,
I love how each repair looks in the colours and patterns that the students choose
See you at the next one! Ali x
Silke –
Ah, what a joy to learn how to mend something you love and want to give a new lease of life!
Ali’s passion for ethical and slow fashion is infectious and her knowledge in the field also shines through. This is a great workshop for anyone wanting to become more conscious about their fashion choices and how to cherish and care for favourite jumpers, socks, or in my case: yoga pants 🙂
Ali Clifford –
thank you Silke, reading this has made me feel really happy. So glad you enjoyed the visible mending workshop and your yoga pants get to enjoy a longer life too 🙂
I appreciate you taking the time to write a review too x
Madeline Chapman –
I’m so impressed by the loom, it’s such a clever little device, and if you throw in that it’s sustainably made in the uk with a view to extending the life of my socks and winter coat, it’s well worth it. The classes are so wholesome and Ali made them fun and straightforward. I’m really glad I came along. Thank you ☺️
Ali Clifford –
So delighted to read this tongight Madeline, many thanks, and I look forward to seeing more wonderful repairs from you soon x
Tracey –
Ali is such a warm and supportive teacher and I really enjoyed the mending workshop. It was such a restorative time, quietly crafting with lovely company. It honestly feels like you are breathing new life into loved items.
I would recommend the workshop to anyone who wants to learn how to mend and repair your treasured (or just every day) garments, scarves and blankets.
Gorgeous!!
Ali Clifford –
Tracey you were an absolute delight of a student, thank you so much for joining us at fforest Glow Sew, it’s a wonderful place for a workshop, a real pleasure to be there with you 🙂
Susy –
I resisted at first, thinking I did not have the time, but then I opened up to learning something new, and I am so glad I did. What a thoroughly enjoyable class. Ali was a great teacher, and what she has created is truly unique, and from recycled bike parts—genius. Bringing life back to garments with a new feature of these beautifully woven patches is excellent.
Thanks, Ali, for all that you do. I highly recommend it!
Susy x
Ali Clifford –
Thanks Susy, I know what you mean, it’s hard to find time, but look at your amazing repairs! You literally rescued those socks from the bin… 🙂
thank you for taking the time to leave a review, such a lovely message to receive this morning, see you at the improver class! Best, Ali x
Lisa Davies –
I loved taking part in Ali’s improver course and found myself excited to get out my loom again the very next day, getting stuck into repairing my socks with a new pattern learnt. I love everything about repairing with the loom, from the fact the loom itself is from reclaimed parts, to the wool which is secondhand. It feels good to repair and keep items in circulation but with my new confidence I also now find it very therapeutic. Thanks Ali. You are inspiring and amazing to be around
Ali Clifford –
Lisa that’s so kind of you to take the time to write this review.
I really enjoy teaching, who knew! You are a great student though, it has to be said.
Looking forward to seeing you again at the next workshop
Ali x
Clare –
Wowza! Love love love!!!! Ali is an amazing teacher! Ali took the time to explain about the looms & other equipment, had great examples & was patient & thorough!
It’s truly addictive!!! I can’t wait to go on the improver course.
I love my ethically sourced loom & wooden ‘biscuit’.
Breathing new life into clothes; I love that it is a great skill & bang on trend! Love my new skill & love Ali!
Sign me up to the next level!!! X
Ali Clifford –
Ah Clare how lovely to read this today, I’m blushing 🙂
I’ll keep you posted for the next visible mending improver class, although you are welcome at any of my workshops!
Super positive and thank you for the encouragement to teach too 🙂
Ali x
Vanessa –
Well that’s it I’m addicted!
Just completed Ali’s mending loom IMPROVER workshop, I am so thrilled to have an absolutely brilliant way to breathe new life into items I couldn’t bear to part with.
Ali’s approach to mending is so authentic, she considers absolutely everything including the equipment which has been lovingly made in the UK from recycled materials. Great workshop, get on there and get the mending bug too!
Ali Clifford –
Vanessa it was an absolute delight to see you again at the Improver workshop, I LOVED how your little visible repair design turned out, I hope this inspires you to go on to bigger things 🙂 ????
Miri –
Such a great workshop. The recycled and ethically sourced loom itself is such a brilliantly designed piece of kit. It’s easy to use and a very satisfying and fun process to learn. In a short time you can give each item a whole new personality and lease of life.
Ali is so kind and patient and makes the whole workshop very entertaining and mellow plus providing the best god darn vegan biscuits known to man! Highly recommend.
Ali Clifford –
Thank you Miri, it was such a pleasure to teach both you and your sister, how kind of you to leave such a lovely review, hope to see you at the improver class next week 🙂 Ali x