Chocolate brown is a favourite colour and I gravitate towards it in op shops – which of course I’m trying to steer clear of these days as I work my way through the accumulated stockpile.
Doing some research ahead of an interview tonight with 612 ABC Local Radio’s Rebecca Levingston, I came across the Little Brown Dress project in which Seattle artist Alex Martin wore the same brown dress in different ways for an entire year in 2006.
In this Seattle Times article Martin said she did it to make a personal attempt to confront consumerism. “Martin was troubled by sweatshops, over-consumption and the modern American penchant for disposable items. And she was irritated by the societal pressure on women to buy into, literally and figuratively, what’s considered fashionable.”
My personal commitment this year is to upcycling – adding value by mending, modifying, remaking, resewing, refashioning – unworn and reject clothing for a second life.
It is exciting to see the enthusiasm for upcycling by International House college students from The University of Queensland, where I’m a member of the Board of Management (re-elected honorary secretary at the AGM last night).
Student leaders Maddie and Sophie popped into the Textile Beat studio yesterday, and here’s Sophie looking fantastic in Sew 41 eco-dye with heart. Most students are thrifty and I look forward to working with them on sustainable, ethical upcycling workshops in future.
Sew 107 is a wooden-beaded linen top combined with a jumper skirt. The skirt I made earlier from a spotted (viscose blend) jumper … how to do that is outlined in Sew 46. The top was in good shape after I shortened it a little. This provided a fabric off-cut to deal with the neckline which flopped open at one side. I could have used buttons or hooks, but settled on hand-stitching it in place with an insert of fabric.
I have been doing this sort of thing for many years, learning from my mother who is now 93 and confined to bed. I don’t tell many, as I get too embarrassed about it.
I look forward to reading your next episode, I listened to your talk on ABC.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful creations. Rosemary K
Thanks for the lovely feedback Rosemary. It is wonderful that your mother passed on her skills to you. I understand your feeling of embarrassment, but it is time to come out of the closet and take upcycling mainstream. It provides mindful recreation, revives home-sewing skills, and reduces waste/pollution. Keep in touch and be confident in wearing your own handiwork. j