Last year National Op Shop Week came and went without much of a ripple – in contrast to this year when there has been an incredible media response, including from New Corp HQ.

Hats off the Jon Dee from Do Something Near You and the National Association for Charitable Recycling Organisations for raising the profile of the important role op shops play in our society and highlighting how we can contribute by donating, buying and volunteering. 

News Corp Australia became involved as part of its 1 Degree environmental sustainability initiative, which is about the small steps we can all take that add up to big change and lead to a sustainable future.  That’s so aligned with my Sew it Again project, refashioning existing clothing. 

In this fabulous National Op Shop Week article, Fairfax reporter Mex Cooper says op shops now become a haven for hipsters, fashionistas, avid recyclers and bargain hunters. Yep that’s me.

Mex outlines seven secrets for successful op-shopping to which I wholeheartedly concur: 1. Spend time searching 2. Keep going back 3. Don’t just stick to your gender or age 4. Look for quality 5. Think ahead 6. Go op shopping mid-week 7. Don’t be afraid to get dusty.

I’ve spent large chunks of time op-shopping, discovering and rescuing treasure because I see value in it. My particular penchant for rescuing natural-fibre clothing (wool, linen, silk, cotton et al) has led to this 365-day Sew it Again project as I parley my habit into an eco-social awareness campaign to demonstrate a creative way of dressing that upcycles waste clothing for a second life.  Sometimes it is just a matter of building combinations from random finds. My niece Katy is modelling two such pieces brought together as an outfit. No sewing, no excuses, no waste.