It is always good to hear repair and reuse stories on the airwaves because they run counter to the perpetual consumption messages so dominant in today’s throwaway society.

I enjoyed this 612ABC chat yesterday between Kelly Higgins Devine and Chrissy Keepence, who is singing from the same song-sheet as the Sew it Again project, about repurposing quality older clothing rather than buying newer cheap stuff.

Dionne – who features on the blog today as Sew 303 – hates waste, so yesterday she refashioned two garments from her wardrobe to extend their life. This look was created from a top and skirt that had fallen out of favour (because they had become shabby under the arms with wear) but with which she didn’t want to part. 

The solution was to refashion the top by removing the sleeves, the rib neckline, and hem of the t-shirt, then using pieces of the hem to create ties at the shoulders. Dionne then removed the top of the dress and refashioned the bottom into a mini-skirt with an elastic waist. See progress photos below.

Dionne is a home-schooling mum, and I loved that yesterday’s Textile Beat workshop with the home-schooling group was held at the Petrie School of Arts, a beautiful old building that has been well-cared for by the local community.  It dates back to 1889 and is well-used for local community activities and events.