A seed planted, a space grown: moving on from Canons Mitcham with gratitude

The present is made and formed by the past — but it does not confine the future. Almost four years ago, Little A.R.K. shared an idea with like-minded people and organisations in Merton: a sewing maker space that would serve as a textile reduction hub and a centre for community enablement. With the support of Sustainable Merton and The Wheel Merton, the Preloved Studio at Canons Mitcham became real.

Every Wednesday, Little A.R.K.'s community of makers gathered in that studio to sew, create, and serve. It was where skills were passed on, friendships were formed, and a great deal of fabric found its second life. It became not just a workspace but a home — a family, as Little A.R.K. now calls it.

As Little A.R.K. moves on from Canons Mitcham, it does so with deep gratitude to every partner, volunteer, and neighbour who made the studio what it became. To Sustainable Merton and The Wheel Merton for their enabling support. To the community of makers who showed up, week after week, and proved that a shared space and a shared purpose are enough.

The studio continues to welcome its next users, and Little A.R.K. wishes everyone who works there every success. The work of tackling textile waste, sharing resources, and building community is far bigger than any single space — and that work goes on. In four years together: over 71,000 items created and donated, more than 150 volunteers engaged, 354,200+ volunteer hours logged, and 20+ beneficial partners served.