Clothing that is no longer being worn represents an incredible textile resource that could be fully recycled if we lived in a circular economy and re-used resources rather than burying them in landfill.

Some commercial recycling processes are being developed as The Guardian reported in this article about a Swedish company producing recycled cotton, and other examples include the Pharrell William’s inspired RAW for the Oceans denim made from recycled ocean plastic.

Hopefully the business opportunities in large-scale recycling of the 69.7 million tonnes of fibre apparel consumed every year will emerge in future –  but in the meantime there are micro-opportunities for individual upcycling to create unique #selfstyle clothing to suit one’s own budget and shape. 

At our Textile Beat restyle party earlier in the week, it was satisfying to work with young people – such as today’s model Stan – who have the self-confidence to express their own creative style and love the story attached to clothes that are op-shop found or cast-off by friends.

As the photos below show, this ginormous op-shop-found skirt represents about two-metres of viscose (reconstituted plant fibre) fabric and lent plenty of scope for refashioning. After considering options, Stan cut it down in size by removing width and existing waistband, resewing the seam and adding elastic at the waist. From the offcuts, Stan began creating an interesting top with drawstring back before having to race off to a work commitment so we took the photo with a collar created from the old waistband. Love to see what else you create Stan and thanks for your enthusiasm and great ideas!

After the severe storm in Brisbane yesterday, my sewing machines appear to be drying out from their drenching and no real harm compared to extensive damage elsewhere around the city.