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News and Inspiration

'Who Made My Clothes?' Photo Booth

14/4/2018

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Much of the global fashion industry is opaque, exploitative, and environmentally damaging and desperately needs revolutionary change. Fashion Revolution brings everyone together to make that happen.

It starts with one simple question: "Who made my clothes?" Fashion Revolution believes this simple question gets people thinking differently about what they wear. We need to know that our questions, our voices, and our shopping habits can have the power to help change things for the better.

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Measuring the impact of the 2017 Fashion Revolution campaign.
Our Fashion Revolution Photobooth is a chance for visiting designers and guests from around NZ, and the world, to connect with this campaign during ID Dunedin Fashion Week. Fashion fans can also get in on the action by showcasing the brands they love and inviting those brands to share their story.

It’s as simple as looking out for our photobooth before the show each night, letting us know a few simple details, and having your photo taken. Everyone is also welcome to take a selfie and post online with hashtags #whomademyclothes, #lovedclotheslast.

See the Fashion Revolution website for more information and resources.
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Fiona and Fi with the Mayor, in the photo booth @ UNSTITCHED pop up last year.
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Models wearing Senorita AweSUMO, made by Fi Clements from commercial off-cuts and upcycled 'The Warehouse' flag.
Special Thanks to:
Fashion Revolution, ID Dunedin, and Otago Polytechnic


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Bags For Good Community Project - Workshop Dates!

14/4/2018

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It's now been a year since a small group of us met and brainstormed about creating local bag libraries to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags we use :D
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Every month the number of people and community groups involved grows, and so does the set of completed bags!

We've had such a great response to the sewing bees we've been running, and we're excited to be able to offer more opportunities to join in the sewing action.

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These sewing bees are open to everyone; all ages and levels of experience welcome.

At each workshop, we have lots of options for lending a hand: from unpicking donated curtains and duvet covers, to pressing, cutting, and sewing.

It's a chance to learn some new skills, put old ones into practice, and connect with others through the shared goal of reducing waste.

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We have a range of sewing bees at venues throughout the city, and we're keen to hear from any groups who would like to get involved and host a 'bag bee'.  Email for more info.

Place: Stitch Kitchen Studio, 88 Vogel Street, Dunedin
Date: 2nd and 4th Thursday each month (except when Regent bee is on instead)
Time: 3-7pm (pop in when you can for as long or short a time as you can)
Cost: Free! Plus tea and coffee provided.
Registration: Optional, simply email or text Fiona if you're planning to come along.


Place: The Valley Project, 262 North Road, North East Valley, Dunedin
Date: 1st Saturday each month
Time: 10am-1pm (afternoon also available as 'Mend and Make Awesome' follows)
Cost: Free! Plus tea and coffee provided.
Registration: Optional, simply email or text Fiona if you're planning to come along.


Place: The South Dunedin Community Pop-Up, 199 Hillside Road (King Edward Street end), South Dunedin
Date: Every Tuesday in May
Time: 1-3pm
Cost: Free!
Registration: Optional, simply email or text Fiona, or see Dunedin Public Library website for more info.


Place: Clarkson Room, Regent Theatre, Lower Octagon, Dunedin
Date: Thursday 10th May
(plus more dates coming soon)
Time: 10am-2pm
Cost: Free!
Registration: Optional, simply email or text Fiona


We also have the pattern for anyone who has spare fabric they want to use up, pre-cut bag packs (which include the screen-printed pocket, and care labels), plus instructions available to anyone who would like to make the bags in their own time from home. You might also like to get a friend or two together and start your own sewing bee.

Simply get in touch for more info.


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A special Thank You to everyone who has come along to our sessions
and helped us over the past year!!


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Mend and Make Awesome Pop Ups continued!

14/4/2018

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We are having a go at bringing our Mend and Make Awesome workshops to the university, to help students deal with the rips and tribulations of their wardrobes (while their mums and grandmas are no longer in reach to pass their mending off to!)

It's not only for students though, as anyone can register and get involved!

We'll be focusing on simple repairs, like darning, patching holes, and fixing buttons, so this is an excellent opportunity to learn some of these timeless skills.

They will be held at OUSA's Clubs and Societies Centre, 84 Albany Street, on Saturday 28th April, and Saturday 26th May, from 2-4pm.

There is a $15 charge for these sessions (as opposed to the usual Koha), as we have to cover costs with these. Minimum and maximum numbers also apply. 

Click the link below for booking and further info on OUSA website:

OUSA Mend and Make Awesome

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Mend and Make Awesome Pop-Up Workshops

14/4/2018

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Our 'Mend and Make Awesome' social sewing workshops have been steadily growing in popularity over the last year. So much so, we're struggling to find space for everyone in our Vogel Street studio!

With the help of The Valley Project, we are now able to offer these fun and rewarding workshops in their community rooms, 262 North Road, North East Valley. There is plenty of parking, and covered space on the porch for bikes. :)

We'll be there on the FIRST SATURDAY of each month for the rest of this year, from 1-4pm (we'll be set up in the morning, running a BAGS FOR GOOD workshop from 10am, and anyone is welcome anytime).

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Social Shopping with Fiona

13/4/2018

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Last year, as part of UNSTITCHED, I ran an 'op shop hop' event, touring central city op shops and sharing my styling tips on shopping well for less.

This was a great chance for me to put into practice the knowledge I have gained from my 'previous life' working as a personal image consultant; helping people to understand (and apply) how to dress to suit not just their physical appearance, but their personality and lifestyle.

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Vintage Style heroine Tania Lee with a new jacket for her enviable collection, found at Paperbag Princess
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Perfect military-inspired Loobies Story jacket found in Shop on St Andrew
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Sew Love's Sarah Lancaster, was in town, and thrilled to find a modern New Zealand made skirt
Recently, I connected with local entrepreneur Kate Grey, co-founder of Pikaado (a new online platform for Dunedinites to share our skills in fun, small-scale workshops, and to find social ways to connect and learn new skills).
She had had requests from many people for a workshop where they could get help shopping; to save time, money, and reduce the confusion of working out which of 'this seasons trends' were worthwhile for them.

Remembering the fun of the op shop hop, I thought 'why not'?


This session is for those of us who are new to thinking about 'shopping consciously' and want some help to 'buy less and choose well', while still enjoying the convenience of 'high street shopping'.
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It will be an easy, fun, practical solution to the countless hours of frustration staring at your wardrobe wondering how you have so many clothes and so little you want to wear.

There are two time options, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, and the groups are limited to 4 people, so  it's a great chance to bring a friend or family member, or simply enjoy getting to know a couple of new friends.

Date: Thursday 26th April or Saturday 28th April
Cost: $45/person (discount applies for booking with others)
Registration: Essential, via Pikaado website

Link to Pikaado

Client shopping testimonial:
“I was apprehensive about receiving advice – I didn’t want to change too much.  I dressed conservatively because that’s what is needed for my work.  I wanted to improve my casual clothes so that when parents or colleagues saw me on days off, or outside the school, I still looked ‘put together’.  Fiona listened to what I was wanting and showed me how to use colours to bring my creativity out.  I’d feel comfortable anywhere in the outfits she found for me.  She also gave me confidence in what suited my body shape.  I’ve just lost weight and am used to covering up everything.  I can now combine my ‘creative’ and ‘professional’ sides in a way that I feel confident wherever I am. I now feel ready for anything.”

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Munch and Make @ Morning Magpie

13/4/2018

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Introducing our new creative social networking session!

When we had our pop-up shops in 2016 and 2017, we enjoyed the comradery of people popping in for lunch, a chat, and to share their current hand-craft project.

With our new name, it was natural to reintroduce this shared space, and one of our favourite cafe's has provided the perfect location!

No matter what your level of experience or interest in textile arts, everyone is welcome to join the table for shared conversation, inspiration and practical hand crafts. It's a fantastic way to meet like minded people.

Bring your handwork (knitting, needlework, darning...) or whatever is inspiring (or frustrating) you at the moment, and gather for problem-solving, chat and inspiration.


Date:  Third Thursday every Month!
Time: Anytime from 1-3pm
Place: Morning Magpie Cafe, 46 (Lower) Stuart St, Dunedin
Cost: Just what you order
*
Registration: Not essential, walk ins welcome. Or email us and we can keep an eye out for you.


(*We usually get a pot of tea for the table, so no need to feel out-of-place if you choose not to order anything.)
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Upcycling Pioneer Visiting Dunedin

13/4/2018

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Included in our program for Fashion Revolution this year, we are delighted to have two events with visiting social entrepreneur, author, and upcyling pioneer Jane Milburn.

Jane was born in Owaka, and has lived in Brisbane for the past 20 years.  Fi met Jane at the Eco Fashion Week in Perth earlier this year, and we're thrilled she will be returning to Otago for a visit, right on time for Fashion Revolution and ID Dunedin Fashion week.

Jane has recently published her book: "Slow Clothing: Finding Meaning in What We Wear".

"Slow Clothing" presents a compelling case for why we need to change the way we dress, to live lightly on Earth through the everyday practice of how we wear and care for our clothes. In an era dominated by the passive consumption of cheap and synthetic fashion, Jane Milburn arrived at the Slow Clothing philosophy by refashioning her own garments.

The clothing surplus in wardrobes and op shops presents a creative opportunity to revive, adapt, and mend garments to suit ourselves while discovering our unique style.

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We have arranged two events with Jane, hosted by the Dunedin Public Library. Jane will share her extensive knowledge and experience with the clothing industry in a public talk (coinciding with Fashion Revolution Day), followed by a practical workshop the following week (coinciding with ID Dunedin Fashion Week):
Slow Clothing: Finding Meaning in What We Wear

Date: Tuesday 24th April
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Place: Ground Floor, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin
Cost: Free, koha appreciated*
Registration: Simply walk in on the day.


*donations will help subsidise the Clothing Repair and Revival workshop
 Clothing Repair and Revival Workshop

Date: Thursday 3rd May
Time: 1-4pm
Place: Dunningham Suite, 4th Floor, Dunedin Public Library, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin
Cost: Koha (suggested $20)

Registration: Essential due to limited numbers. Please email library@dcc.govt.nz or info@stitchkitchen.nz


No previous sewing experience needed.
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Special thanks to:
Dunedin Public Library;  Creative NZ


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Full Plate with UNSTITCHED 2018 and Fashion Revolution!

13/4/2018

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We are super excited about being able to participate in this year's international campaign for Fashion Revolution!

This will be our third year where we have organised events to coincide with this global campaign to increase awareness, and  develop creative solutions, to the devastating problems in the contemporary fashion industry.

As in the past 2 years, we will be calling our project "UNSTITCHED".  Highlighting our wish to 'unstitch the myths of the fashion industry' and help people to become informed about actions they can take to make positive differences.

This year, we are doing something slightly different. We
have researched the local impact of the fashion industry, and will deliver an interactive seminar presenting this information, adapted to suit different audiences and time frames.

Our aim is to connect with groups to empower their members and wider public audiences with the ideas of a 'pro-fashion revolution':
How they can learn more about the choices available; understanding care labels and garment quality; using resources, such as the 'Good On You' app, to identify companies/labels which reflect their personal values; and the benefits of supporting local business and independent design.   

Join us for an informal, interactive discussion on contemporary fashion and our place in this global industry.

Plus, we'll introduce you to 'craftivism' and help you make a small scale embroidered patch, which you can use to cover holes in jeans... stitch to your jacket sleeve... display in public... give a friend... anything you like.

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Image Credit: Rebecca Roberts
Date: Wednesday 18th April, 2018
Time: Between 1-4pm
(come when you can, stay for as long as you like)
Place: Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Building
Cost: Free
Registration: Recommended, but not essential.

Special thanks to:
Otago Pioneer Women's Memorial Association; Creative NZ; and Fashion Revolution 

We will also be presenting variations on this interactive session in association with Quilters & Patchworkers of Otago; Otago Creative Fibre group; Otago Girls High School Environmental Group; Bayfield High School Enviroschools group.

We still have spaces available, and if you are connected with a community group, school or organisation around Dunedin we would love to hear from you and adapt this to suit your group. Please email us for more information.


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Just Atelier Has Had A Make-Over!

13/4/2018

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All good things deserve to be revised, refreshed, and given a bit of an update.

Stitch Kitchen is a new story of gathering friends together around the table and sharing ideas, skills and resources to achieve more than what we imagine on our own, one stitch at a time.

Our old name: Just Atelier, represented our shared core value of seeking Justice (environmental and social), and Atelier being the french term for a studio for professional artists, assistants and students can work together producing pieces of fine art.


Over the last few years, our focused has grown to include wider community, not just students and designers. We needed a new name that highlighted the friendly atmosphere and home grown adaptability of textile arts. Our new name for our community projects: Stitch Kitchen, reflects the traditions of friends coming together to swap ingredients and recipes, share techniques, and create nourishing food to share with their families, while supporting and inspiring one another (just in our case; we're swapping textiles and creating awesome clothes).

Our studio, still located in the heart of  Dunedin's historic warehouse precinct (world famous for our street art), will continue to bring together like-minded crafters, makers, artists of all walks, who share a love of creative design, our environment, and our community.

We will also be running more 'pop up' events in communities all around the city. This will make it easier for people outside the central city to access our various sewing bees, and be inspired by each others ideas for creative living. 


For official purposes, we will still be the Just Atelier Trust. We are a registered not-for-profit, and our bank details and all the official stuff will stay the same.

We'll now simply be known by a name everyone can pronounce without a worried look on their face :)

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We love the new logo, designed for us by Craig Scott of Self Destruct Studio.

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