What can I say? Even though it’s Christmas Day, it is a day like every other in 2014 when I’ve been upcycling and posting ways to reuse clothing that already exists rather than buying new.

Consumption often peaks at this time of year and it is great to see groups like 1 Million Women #nowaste and The Story of Stuff #buylesslivemore focusing on changing behaviour. Reading this poignant story from The Guardian exposes the uncomfortable truth and hidden cost of frivolous consumption. Be the change.

With a background in agriculture and interest in the material world of natural fibres, I’ve been fortunate to spend time re-creating clothing and learning more about the clothing footprint we (the collective 7-billion strong we) make on the world. My model for change includes empowering individuals to reimagine and recreate their own wardrobe collection by resewing at home to gain individual, conscious clothing. 

Sew 359 (of 365, only six to go!) is a reuse of three unworn white garments – long white linen skirt and short cotton skirt from opshop, and a men’s cotton shirt (purchased new, years ago as a bargain for $2 but never worn). I reshaped the linen skirt by cutting off one corner, using some of the offcut for a heart patch to cover a small stain on the cotton skirt. After cutting off the arms and collar of the men’s shirt, I attached the cotton skirt as a creative collar which is stitched on the inside and then falls out over the neckline join. The photos at the bottom give an idea of the refashion process.

Sew lovely to have Christmas Eve dinner with friends Linda and Graham Clarke at Upper Brookfield – the photos (thanks to snapper Steve!) below give indication of their beautiful family home on the ridge top. And today I give thanks to the two people who have read every on of my 359 posts – Karen Ellis from Melbourne #scavengerstyle and JoSe from Brisbane (big sister) – thanks for travelling with me.