This denim jeans-to-skirt conversion marks the completion of one month’s upcycling in my year-long campaign transforming discarded garments for a second life. Yippee. I’m learning, discovering and connecting with others as I demonstrate choices we have for a different way of dressing that is mindful of ecological health, Earth’s limited resources, wellbeing, ethical sourcing, creativity, thrift, resourcefulness and individual choice. At its heart, this Sew it Again campaign seeks to revive home-sewing as the enabler to wean us from dependence on others for everyday clothing which is as important to our health and wellbeing as the food we eat. Home-cooking has made a comeback, so why not home-sewing? I’m demonstrating ways of resewing existing garments at home as a quick, easy, rewarding and affordable way of dressing because there are mountains of discards stashed away in wardrobes and languishing in op shops. Creativity is making a huge comeback in the craft department and yesterday I met fabulous women Tracy Hopper and Helen Berthold at Side Street Vintage in Hawthorne, a gorgeous shop brought to my attention by friend Liliana Molina. I’m excited about the potential for teaming with Side Street Vintage for a resew refashioning workshop in April, so stay tuned for details. Today I’m finalising the first month’s upcycled garments for inclusion in the Love up-cycled exhibition at Reverse Emporium in Woolloongabba which opens on February 8. Sew 31 is denim jeans turned skirt, with the frill made from the leg off-cuts. I cut the bottom off another denim dress and used it as a collar to feature a gorgeous denim brooch for which I can take no credit. It is a Denim Days creation by Tracey from Side Street Vintage!