Category Archives: repurpose

Sew 153 – Eco-dyed T-shirts reworked

While it is easy to look at those who splash money around on flashy gear and beach houses and think life is good for them – researchers have actually found an association between materialism and decreased well-being.

This recent article on Huff Post’s The Third Metric: Redefining Success Beyond Power and Money explains why more things don’t make us happier.

“It’s no secret that gratitude makes us happier, while materialism can do the opposite. And now, a new study shows that lower levels of gratitude could be part of the reason for why materialistic people have decreased life satisfaction, and that gratitude could actually mediate the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. Continue reading →

Sew 151 – T-shirts reworked

The fabulous City of Brisbane Australia demonstrates that it values sustainable living by hosting the Green Heart Fair twice each year – and this free community event is on again at Chermside tomorrow.

I’m looking forward to engaging with eco-aware locals on the topic of sustainable and ethical dressing – discussing ways we can reduce our clothing footprint.

With the 365-day Sew it Again campaign approaching the half-way mark (well nearly), there are plenty of garments to fill out the Textile Beat tent this year.

Although time is against me now, I’m working on a few t-shirt upcycles we can do – sans sewing machine with just scissors, hand stitching and crafting. Continue reading →

Sew 149 – Serena resews trousers

The Sew it Again project is not about Jane Milburn resewing adventures, it is about inspiring and enabling others to relook at clothing that already exists in their wardrobes and refashioning it for a second life.

Serena Williams is an early adopter. Having bought jeans-to-skirt convo Sew 31 at the Reverse Emporium Love Upcycled exhibition, she got in touch about refashioning a wool suit that was no longer suitable for her partner’s corporate role.

We had sew much fun together, although she made me wield the scissors. Tellingly, Serena felt a twinge in her chest as I cut into the fine wool suiting fabric. It is a little scary slicing up something that still has intrinsic value but if it is not being worn as is, the risk is not high.

Continue reading →

Sew 147 – Resewing at embryonic stage

Forecasting social-cultural trends is something European trendsetter Lidewij Edelkoort learned to do by trusting her instincts and she now travels the world presenting at events such as Designex coming soon to Sydney Australia.

In a recent article, Edelkoort reflects on the current move towards nature, organics and the traditional. “We’re seeing the dawning of an embryonic age, where the social mood is shifting to a climate of community, care and compassion. A new epoch with different and more wholesome, localised options … Twenty years ago we craved imported goods. Now we’re turning our attention to things that are local and locally made … We went very quickly into the desire for global things and I think we will also unglobalise rapidly which I think is positive because transportation is taking its toll on society, financially and ecologically. So if we can do less of that, the better it is.” Continue reading →

Sew 145 – Many fashion futures

Most of us are spoilt for choice in the Western world, with every conceivable item available in a plethora of colours, styles and sizes ready for our consuming pleasure. We purchase our identity according to whichever brand message grabbed our attention from the rivers of print, screen, digital and social information flowing our way.

Clothing shapes our day. Each morning we dress to be comfortable, look fabulous and belong. In seeking to satisfy those needs for 7.2 billion people in the world, apparel fashion has blossomed into a $1.7 trillion industry. As long as consumers happily and mindlessly reach out for more and more clothing, manufacturers will keep providing it.

Any thinking person knows that endless consumption is destroying the planet. Our wardrobes bulge with stuff we don’t wear because we purchased it for a single occasion, our shape has changed, or we bought it cheaply, hurriedly, without longer-term consideration. Continue reading →

Sew 144 – Seeing resewing results

We all bobble along in the world, making the best of what we have and contributing where we can to make a difference. I’m assiduously working away this year on the Sew it Again project, supported by my family and friends to demonstrate ways of upcycling existing clothing to conserve and revive natural fibre resources instead of buying new.

And it is exciting when others catch the ball and run with it! Star pupil from the Coolah workshops Jacki sent me this update: ‘Had a great day – mended two dresses, patched some work jeans that had holes and upcycled a hoodie top into jeans, bag and scarf with little pockets to keep hands warm. That outfit was for an 8-year-old girl, the daughter of a friend. When I gave her the clothes she said “Look Mum the jeans aren’t ugly anymore”. See below for Jacki’s photos of the second-life she created for her unworn hoodie. Continue reading →

Sew 143 – Skirts from trousers

How about this for an amazing statistic – China’s annual consumption of tissues is about 4.4 million tons. This has led to an Eco-Handkerchief event around the use of handkerchiefs over tissues as part of an eco-business trade mission to China from Australia to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly products to a ‘green-hungry’ Chinese market.

So many things that were once considered old-fashioned and traditional are returning to the fore because we recognise them as ‘eco-friendly’, sustainable and practical ways of living.

It was affirming to be among creative women for the sixth birthday celebration and opening of BrisStyle HQ at 24 Macquarie St at Newstead last night and chat with others who value handmade and traditional craft skills. Continue reading →

Sew 139 – Clothing recommission

Some people wear vintage clothing well – but there are other people who don’t and some garments that make you feel out-of-date.

Such was the case with this lovely brushed cotton frock which my friend Ele gave me to update for her as Sew 139, see below.

But first, I’ve included a photo of this quick and easy refresh Ele achieved for her verandah chairs using large op-shop bought t-shirts and a bit of hand-sewing using blanket stitch one evening.

This upcycle just goes to show you don’t need a sewing machine, you don’t need heaps of time or money – you just need a little motivation and effort to transform an old sofa with $25 worth of cast-off clothing.

Continue reading →

Sew 137 – One of a kind

Having an original, one-of-a-kind garment is interesting, fun and an expression of creativity – but it is not for everyone.

We all have our own preference and taste, whether that is conservative, conventional or high fashion as determined by so-called trendsetters and style leaders,

Because I’ve never been one to follow the crowd, upcycling existing clothing suits me well – I can experiment with different styles and enjoy natural fibres without breaking the bank.

My Upcycled exhibition in Coolah was a unique opportunity to present an alternative and adventurous way of engaging with our wardrobes, rather than simply buying off-the-rack, ready-made fashion as has become the norm over the past two decades.

My premise is that home-sewing is a life skill, just like home-cooking, and the Sew it Again project aims to transform the way we think about and wear our clothes. Continue reading →

Sew 136 – Upcycled show makes mark

It has been affirming to see the Upcycled exhibition receive such a positive reception during the past 12 days on show in Coolah’s Pandora Gallery.

By all accounts, it had a positive social impact and provided an engaging opportunity to bring together new members of the community in a creative and uplifting way.

I could also see people shifting their thinking about clothing and textiles, and being inspired by what can be done with stuff in their wardrobes that they aren’t wearing.

Even local solicitor Michael Baxter (photo below) – in town for a Wills and Power of Attorney talk during National Law Week – engaged in the concept and brought a male perspective when he passed through the gallery and asked the question – do you upcycle men’s things too?” Continue reading →