That’s the premise behind My(ne)stery of Matter, a mobile PopUp Lab developed by HILO Textiles and Hamburg-based fashion designer and activist Sarah Prien. Described as a “Flying Lab,” the project is designed to be reproduced anywhere, using local textile waste and open-source machines to empower communities to take ownership of their materials.

Turning waste into new materials
At its core, My(ne)stery of Matter is about decentralising recycling. Drawing inspiration from recycling garages in Tbilisi, Georgia — informal spaces where neighbourhoods repurpose plastics and metals in the absence of public infrastructure — Sarah extends the concept to textiles. “There’s a real disconnect between the clothes we wear and the processes that create them,” she says. “People often don’t realise that worn-out textiles can still be turned into something useful.”

Through hands-on workshops, community events, and an open-access setup, the lab transforms discarded fabrics into yarn, ropes, and raw materials for new products — from fashion pieces to home objects. But the real magic happens in the making: people coming together, sharing knowledge, and creating something from wasted materials.

A test lab in Copenhagen
The pilot version of the lab will launch at maker in Copenhagen this May, where Sarah and HILO Textiles will spend a week testing and refining the concept through a series of collaborative workshops. “We see this as a testing ground,” she explains. “Maybe a week isn’t enough. Maybe the setup needs tweaking. But our goal is to find a replicable model — an easy replicable concept that is ticking all boxes at the end.”

Sarah sees this not just as a recycling initiative, but as a tool for building generous cities — places where sharing, making, and creativity are part of everyday life. “When you give people the tools to make, you give them agency. And when people come together, change happens.”

Become a part of the project
From 20–24 May 2025, the lab will take shape at maker as the team refines and develops their textile-based work through a series of collaborative sessions.

The process culminates in an open workshop during SPOR10 Festival on Saturday 24 May, from 10:00–18:00. Everyone is welcome – all ages, no sign-up required. Just drop by and take part!