As I work my way through this Sew it Again year, I enjoy meeting people and starting a conversation about clothing – where it comes from, where it goes to, and what happens to it along the way.

There is significant community awareness of the disposable culture flowing from the cheap and seemingly endless supply. People are becoming more conscious of the negative environmental and social impacts of the clothing binge, in the same way they know about negative health impacts from over-consumption of cheap processed food, But doing something about it is another matter.

Items that are unique and locally handmade with heart are rare. They standout among the sameness of the mass-produced and are valued by conscious consumers. They’re doubly special if you take the time to learn the skills and make them yourself. 

It was great to visit Julie Hillier’s Ministry of Handmade studio recently and spend time talking about our mutual interest in upcycling, creativity, traditional skills, storing and corralling ‘treasure’ and workshop experiences. Julie runs a range of contemporary textile workshops on Brisbane’s northside and believes there is tremendous power in making something yourself. Yay, thanks for sharing time and ideas Julie!

Today I met other creatives and potential creatives at What’s Cooking in the Gardens at Redcliffe – more on that tomorrow. Meanwhile for Sew 215, my sister Jo called in yesterday and was inspired to put together these cotton floral trousers cast-off by family friend Lynn Bell, a white top with puff-sleeves and neck bow – both of which she removed by a resew – and a floral bag upcycled by Jo’s daughter Kate several years ago from a blue skirt.