We’re hurtling towards the end of the year and the completion of this 365-day Sew it Again project. It has been a relentless commitment, refashioning and posting every day without fail. It has also been transformational.

In documenting progress and learning, I’ve recognised the project is more than just upcycling natural fibre garments. It is about bringing heart, conscience and individual creativity to our wardrobes.

In the same way we are now more aware of the production integrity and nutritional value of our food (and the impact of processed food on our health), we are becoming conscious of the impacts of our clothing choices – on ourselves, on society and the planet. 

In recognition of this broadened agenda, I’ve made a few changes to the Textile Beat website (it remains a work in progress) and spent today with my friend and advisor Dr Kay Pearse to map out a body of work for next year. Thanks Kay for your insights – and your cast-offs!

Sew 351 is the refashion of a piece of batik from Indonesia which Kay has hoarded for over 25 years (she loved the fabric but not the colour) and finally sent my way as she prepares for a move to Brno in the Czech Republic next year.

The batik was about 2.2m long and I cut it down to be a 1.4m rectangle skirt. When sewing up the side-seam, I left the top 30cm open to tie a knot at the side to secure. I then folded the offcut on the diagonal and cut a ‘collar’ which is about 1m long and 30cm wide, sewed and turned it inside out. From a black T-shirt I was no longer wearing, I cut the collar off (see photos below) and sewed the piece of batik to the inside of the T-shirt, having the ends come together at one side. The batik collar then falls forward and covers the seam. Kay was thrilled to see her batik put of good use in Sew 351. Just 14 more to go!