Hello!
I’m Lisa Mulligan.
I run The Social Sewing Society based in Grey Lynn, Auckland, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
At The Social Sewing Society, you'll connect with like-minded individuals, share tips and inspiration, and celebrate each other's creative work.
My grandmother (an outstanding seamstress) taught me to sew from a young age, and I sewed all through high school (winning the Home Economics award every year. I feel like I can only share this with people who are also interested in sewing!).
Adult life got really busy, and I lost my way with sewing until Covid lockdown. Days spent on Zoom calls for my corporate job, cooped up in my house had me looking to do things with my hands and create something tangible.
It’s fair to say that returning to sewing saved me from my anxiety during this time.
I had my 1984 Bernina sewing machine serviced (inherited from my grandmother) and for the past 5 years I have always had a clothing project on the go starting with covid masks, and then pants, jackets, capes, a men’s jacket (the welt pockets are killing me!), tablecloths and serviettes for Christmas lunch, and am currently spreading pink velvet fluff across my combined home office/sewing room while making a winter dress.
I have been reflecting on how lucky I am to have sewing as a passion, a hobby and as a skill that’s so useful in being able to make, and repair clothes while having a creative outlet.
It’s time for me to pass on what I’ve learnt at The Social Sewing Society to kids and adults alike.
Stitching a Sustainable Future
At The Social Sewing Society, we believe in the power of creativity, community, and conscious living.
When you come to our classes, and social sewing sessions, you can choose to bring along your own machine along, or sew on one of our Swiss-made “vintage” sewing machines from the 1970s and 80s – Classic Elnas and Berninas.
These machines are nostalgic and testaments to a time when products were built to last, designed with precision and engineered for decades of reliable use.
Just like my grandmother's 40+ year old Bernina, these machines are running beautifully, and ready to help you get started on your sewing journey.
By giving these timeless machines a new lease on life, we're actively participating in the circular economy and extending their useful lifespan, a small but significant step towards a more sustainable planet.
Why learn to sew?
We know that learning to sew is so much more than just a hobby. It's a valuable life skill that offers a wealth of benefits for people of all ages. Whether you're a curious kid or an adult looking for a new creative outlet, our workshops and sewing sessions provide the perfect foundation to unlock your inner maker.
Create for you - Learning to sew empowers you to create garments and accessories that are truly you. From choosing the perfect fabric to customising patterns, you'll bring your vision to life and express your individuality with every stitch.
Sustainability - Making your own clothes, repairing beloved items, and upcycling textiles, reduces waste, and lessens your reliance on mass-produced fashion. In addition, our vintage machines perfectly embody this sustainable ethos.
Find calm and focus - The concentration required for precise stitches, and the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life can be incredibly meditative and stress-reducing (although at times stress-creating!). Sewing promotes mindfulness, improves hand-eye coordination, and boosts self-esteem.
Build attention to detail - Sewing projects often require careful planning, attention to detail, and a touch of perseverance. You'll learn to read patterns, troubleshoot minor hiccups, and celebrate small victories along the way.
Social fun - While sewing can be a wonderfully solitary pursuit, it also opens doors to a vibrant and supportive community.