• Home
  • LATEST NEWS
  • 4KT Elephants Project
  • Classes
  • Swap Shop
  • Volunteer
  • About
    • Trust Founders
  • Contact
  • Links we Love
Welcome to

News and Inspiration

Jane Milburn visit to Dunedin

7/8/2019

0 Comments

 
One of our great inspirations, Jane Milburn, will be returning to Dunedin for a brief visit later this month!

Jane is a Sustainability Consultant, Slow Clothing pioneer, TEDx speaker, upcycler, and agricultural scientist. Many of you will remember her fabulous talk and upcycling workshop from when she was here during Fashion Revolution Week and ID Fashion Week in 2017 (see our blog post on her previous visit here).

Jane will be at Stitch Kitchen for our open afternoon on Friday 23rd August.  This will be a perfect afternoon for you to bring in your upcycling projects to get inspired.

We will also be hosting a social evening of sharing inspiration for natural fibres and upcycling at the studio, from 5-7pm
.

This is a chance for everyone to discus ways to ..."slow down, take stock and consider the substance, not just the style, of the clothes you choose to wear. Become conscious of your wardrobe: buy less, choose natural fibres, mend what you have, value story, love second-hand and vintage, refuse cheap fashion, avoid toxic dyes, read labels, restyle what you have, share and swap, or buy ethical brands. If it suits you to do so, be empowered to sew, restyle and refashion clothing already in circulation. The slow clothing philosophy is summarised in a manifesto of actions and choices: think, natural, quality, local, few, care, make, revive, adapt and salvage" (from Jane's website Textile Beat)

While visiting NZ, Jane is looking forwarding to gathering a range of new material for another book and her website, including stories of favorite upcycling techniques and what inspires you, particularly around wellbeing and sustainability. 

For those who haven't yet read her wonderful first book, 'Slow Clothing: Finding meaning in what we wear', you're welcome to pop in and read our copy, or you can now purchase a copy of your own from us!
0 Comments

Thinking Outside the Box at ID Upcycling workshop

16/4/2019

0 Comments

 
A skirt made from shirts... a dress made from table cloths... a cardigan made from two jerseys... and luxurious nightgown from a sentimental souvenir... a coat made for walking Canada's cold streets in in the 1980's, now re-tailored for city life in Dunedin for winter 2019.

These are some of the projects we worked on at the top of Dunedin Public Library last month during ID Fashion Week.

Desi and I were joined by four attendees with a wide range of background sewing experience, all keen for ideas on how to re-imagine items which had been stashed away (in several cases for years).

Treasured items made from silk, cashmere, organic linen and denim (from days before Lycra and polyester were added).  Items that were hand-made by them decades ago, or by family members, or 'the tiny gentleman who worked in a cupboard-sized workshop just off the street in Bangkok' ...

These are common themes we experience with Upcycling: items where the provenance is personal, the fabric of a quality that seems undervalued in the current form, or simply the desire to make something more practical for our contemporary taste and lifestyle.

It is hugely rewarding to take inspiration for what something already is, and consider what form it could be to become more than what it was - more practical, more appreciated, more beautiful, and much more personal.

In our Mend & Make Awesome workshops, we see this on a small scale. People repairing or altering items to improve them. Upcycling however, is a much bigger (and often trickier) enterprise, involving many hours work, and often facing challenges when the previous shape resists your efforts and you have to think again. It's easy to become disheartened and stuck, and end up with grand plans put indefinitely on hold.

This is where having some outside advice is so valuable. Having another person to bounce ideas with, suggest alternatives techniques, or to make the tea!

This workshop was a delight on all levels, and we hope to organise more in the near future!
0 Comments

University Study on Upcycling

27/2/2019

0 Comments

 
What makes you an ‘upcycler’? Why do you go about it? And how does clothing upcycling impact on the fashion industry?

These are the questions being asked in by Masters of Sociology candidate Kirsten Koch, in new research facilitated through the University of Otago, Department of Sociology, Gender and Social Work.

Kirsten has has already achieved a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles; Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology, Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Development, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Anthropology. She is also a practicing textile artist, upcycler, and (when she can fit it into her schedule) guest tutor at Stitch Kitchen.

Picture
Her latest research project aims to investigate current textile practitioners utilizing clothing upcycling as a component of their practice. It will shed light on issues such as:
 
  • What motivates people to upcycle, and how does their upcycling relates to the wider fashion industry?
 
  • What methods of upcycling they use?
 
  • Why upcycling clothing important is important to these individuals?
 
  • And how economics feature in their practice (i.e. working conditions, arrangement of business/practice, having time, economic sustainability)?
In recent years, upcycling has become well known term, used by amateur home sewists to high end designers, textile artists, bloggers, authors and reporters, as reworking clothing has become popular across a wide cross section of ages, lifestyles and cultural backgrounds. 

Kirsten has defined ‘upcycling clothing’ as: a practice which utilizes second-hand
textiles to create new and original garments. She has defined ‘practice’ as: the making, marketing, displaying, interaction and exchange of upcycled clothing and textiles.
Upcycle blogger Sarah Tyau as featured on https://mymodernmet.com/upcycled-clothing-sarah-tyau/
Upcycled jeans apron by local member of Creative Fibre group.
Kirsten Kosh eco dying of a vintage wool cardigan.
Work by Desi Liversage at a recent local craft market
From her own experience, Kirsten believes practitioners may upcycle for a variety of interrelated reasons such as enriching their and others lives, DIY, sustainability, affordability, beauty, politics, aesthetics, experimentation, and self-differentiation.

As part of the study, Kirsten will be organising a public forum, where participants in the study will share with the wider community, their inspiration and creations. The role of upcycling within the wider context of the fashion industry will also be highlighted in this forum to be held on Wednesday 24th April, coinciding with international Fashion Revolution Day. This forum is open the public, and will be a fascinating insight into this increasingly popular practice. For more information about the seminar, please email Kirsten: kocki817@student.otago.ac.nz

We are each looking forward to taking part in this fantastic research, and seeing how it will highlight the value of repurposing clothing, not only personally, but in understanding and enriching our ever changing culture of fashion.

Would you like to be part of this study?
Download the information sheet
here to read the details. Or email Kirsten

0 Comments

Dunedin Dream Brokerage Environment Envoy

25/2/2019

0 Comments

 
In November (2018) we were excited to see that the DCC and Dunedin Dream Brokerage (formerly known as Urban Dream Brokerage) were promoting Te Ao Tūroa - Dunedin’s Environment Strategy by inviting applicants for  'Environment Envoy' projects.

"projects that will encourage Dunedin’s community to see
the local environment and natural world through the
innovative and participatory use of vacant retail space in Dunedin."

 At Stitch Kitchen, we're always cooking up ideas for ways to inspire people to look at things in new, creative ways - especially when those ways lead us as a community towards healthier, happier, more resilient and sustainable future.

One project we've had on the back burner for a wee while was to help address an issue we're very much aware of, but which no one seems to know how to solve, and so the whole issue is ignored:

Dunedin waste management review reports that Dunedin’s textile waste to landfill has doubled in the last year, with over 4 thousand tons of textiles added to our green island landfill.  

As well as putting pressure on landfill capacity and speeding the need for additional land to be converted from natural landscape or productive purposes to industrial waste storage. Textile waste also contributes significantly to Dunedin’s carbon footprint, as slowly degrading synthetic and natural fibres contribute 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions from our current landfill, which will continue long after the landfill has been decommissioned.

This textile waste comes from a range of sources; from commercial industry and manufacturing (yes, we still do have some textile companies here!), and from 'households' (i.e. us).  While commercial waste in being reduced, thanks to waste minimization practices, the concerning thing is that household waste that is climbing, with traditional 'recycling' options being reduced. 

As we keep buying cheap, low quality garments, it's no surprise that they do not last multiple wears let alone multiple owners, and many of the garments given to op shops are not good enough quality to go anywhere but the skip... to be buried in Green Island.
Picture
Image Credit and link: https://www.soul-flower.com/blog/scary-fast-fashion-facts/
This is all very gloomy grey and serious!

How can we create a positive, empowering way to engage the community in discussion and demonstrate how textile waste can not only be reduced, but used to enrich our lives?

We have an idea... and the Environment Envoy selection committee think it's a goodie too!

....


(That's right, I'm going to keep you hanging out for the details! But thanks to the DCC and Dunedin Dream Brokerage, we will certainly be letting you know the where, what and when very soon :) )
0 Comments

Summer Times on Radio NZ

7/1/2019

0 Comments

 
A short time ago, Fi and I spoke with Lynn Freeman about fashion, waste, and the revival of sewing and mending.

Our conversation was aired on 3rd January 2019, and you can listen again via the Radio NZ podcast.
Listen Now
Picture
0 Comments

'Who Made My Clothes?' Photo Booth

14/4/2018

0 Comments

 
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.

Picture
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.
Picture
Fiona and Fi with the Mayor, in the photo booth @ UNSTITCHED pop up last year.
Picture
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


0 Comments

Social Shopping with Fiona

13/4/2018

0 Comments

 
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.

Picture
Vintage Style heroine Tania Lee with a new jacket for her enviable collection, found at Paperbag Princess
Picture
Perfect military-inspired Loobies Story jacket found in Shop on St Andrew
Picture
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'.
Picture
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.”

Picture

0 Comments

Upcycling Pioneer Visiting Dunedin

13/4/2018

0 Comments

 
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.

Picture

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.
Picture
Special thanks to:
Dunedin Public Library;  Creative NZ


0 Comments

Full Plate with UNSTITCHED 2018 and Fashion Revolution!

13/4/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.

Picture
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.


0 Comments

    Author

    News, updates and things we find inspiring, from Dunedin's Stitch Kitchen

    Archives

    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    August 2018
    April 2018

    Categories

    All
    4KT Elephants
    Fashion Revolution
    Media
    Mending
    Sewing
    Social Events
    Upcycling

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • LATEST NEWS
  • 4KT Elephants Project
  • Classes
  • Swap Shop
  • Volunteer
  • About
    • Trust Founders
  • Contact
  • Links we Love