Tag Archives: KL

Sew 181 – Refashioned neckline

Jane Milburn wears upycledSometimes it is only takes a small change to render something eminently more wearable. This turtle-neck top became a boat-neck with a simple chop and sew, making for a more relaxed and comfortable look.

This is the last day of posting from KL, which has provided some great inspiration, multi-cultural colour and food for thought regarding dress customs and choices. Known as the fourth-best shopping in the world after New York, Tokyo and London, I’ve resisted the many temptations and purchased only a couple of pieces of batik (oh and the silk treats from Gulati’s Silk House). Continue reading →

Sew 179 – Versatile linen cape

Jane Milburn wears Sew 179Linen is an ancient fibre made from flax which lasts a long time and is sustainable because its production does not usually involve a lot of water and chemical use. I love the crushed look linen gets after washing and wear it that way without ironing as a badge of honour – saving effort and energy.

The upcycled part of Sew 179 is the strip of linen fabric with frayed edges which I cut into two wraps a while back. One remains as a wrap, as worn below when I visited to Heli Lounge Bar to enjoy KL’s landmarks. The other strip I’ve turned into a versatile cape, secured in its many incarnations by fabric-covered safety pins. Continue reading →

Sew 175 – Skinny jeans wrap skirt

Upcycled wrap skirt from skinny jeansIt was very affirming to see Biloela upcycler Kerrie leap into her REfashion projects with confidence, enthusiasm, creativitity and commitment to getting results that worked for her lifestyle and existing local resources.

There’s been some interesting discussion on Facebook after my friend Gen Robey shared a photo of waste clothing at Reedy Creek refuse station at the Gold Coast, which prompted reflection on why charitable recyclers are swamped with cast-offs every day and end up dumping them. The reasons I put forward are these:

1. Non-transparent global supply chains mean you can buy new so cheaply (ask Q who’s exploited in process and remember Rana Plaza)

2. Many people have lost simple sewing skills to mend and alter – can’t replace a button or cut off wayward (once-on-trend) feature to revive garment for second life.  Continue reading →

Sew 172 – It’s Fashion Week in KL

Gwen wears Sew 172It is amazing to be transported via AirAsia from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur in less than one day – and now be posting from Bukit Bintang.

People here are so helpful and it is great to catch up with family – my brother Professor Tony Capon, Wendy and boys Will and Hugh.

It is exciting to find I will be able to catch the last day of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week at Pavilion tomorrow! That will an enlightening experience, as is the shopping immersion which KL offers with all the high fashion brands seemingly on every corner. Such a contrast to the way I live and shop in Brisbane!  Continue reading →