Tag Archives: Restyle Party

Sew 332 – Valuing textile waste

Stan wears upcycledClothing that is no longer being worn represents an incredible textile resource that could be fully recycled if we lived in a circular economy and re-used resources rather than burying them in landfill.

Some commercial recycling processes are being developed as The Guardian reported in this article about a Swedish company producing recycled cotton, and other examples include the Pharrell William’s inspired RAW for the Oceans denim made from recycled ocean plastic.

Hopefully the business opportunities in large-scale recycling of the 69.7 million tonnes of fibre apparel consumed every year will emerge in future –  but in the meantime there are micro-opportunities for individual upcycling to create unique #selfstyle clothing to suit one’s own budget and shape.  Continue reading

Sew 330 – Straps make the difference

Straps for securityFor yesterday’s Restyle Party, I asked the girls to bring garments from the back of their wardrobes (ie not being worn) so we could restyle them for a fresh go at life.

Frankie arrived with these lovely pants bought new which had not quite worked out as she hoped. By experimenting, she’d found that instead of wearing them as pants they worked better pulled up with the shirring elastic across her chest. The only trouble then was feeling the need to keep pulling them up for modesty reasons.

The only thing we’re taking credit for in Sew 330 is the addition of some simple straps making something unworn more wearable for Frankie.  Continue reading

Sew 329 – Reshaping the future

Billie wears upcycled with styleFun today hosting a Restyle Party in the Textile Beat studio with four enthusiastic young women keen to learn how they can refresh existing clothes to suit themselves and their needs.

I’ll be posting refashions by Nina, Frankie, Billie and Stan over the next few days and certainly it is fabulous to be able to engage with thoughtful young people interested in making ethical, sustainable, individual, creative and affordable clothing choices.

Also exciting to see the amazing Flourish Festival: Design the Future event in Sydney this weekend with its focus on Fashion vs Nature defining the intersection between desire and ecological health, and the impact everyday lifestyle choices have on the long-term health of the planet. Great to see Fashion Revolution Day involved in the event and that creative reuse of existing clothing featuring in many workshops. The Refashion Revolution has arrived!  Continue reading