No Stitches Required at Bellingen Library Workshops
Published on 16 August 2024
Bellingen Library is sharing in the excitement of The Great Fashion Stitch Up Event that will be hosted at the Memorial Hall on Saturday 24 August…But with a twist…The workshops we are hosting involve no stitches!
With textile waste in Australia making us the largest fast fashion consumers in the world, Bellingen Library have collaborated with Zenzi Grace, to bring three workshops to the library on Saturday 24 August from 10:30am – 1:30pm. Zenzi has sourced fabric that was destined for landfill, and is inviting participants to try one of the workshops curated to inspire ideas of how to upcycle old fashion.
You can learn how to turn an old t-shirt into a no-sew bag, understand the techniques of Furoshiki- the Japanese alternative to using a shopping bag or wrapping paper, where Janine Boyd will teach you how to knot and twist a fabric square, like the Japanese have done for centuries.
And finally, Abbey's Wearable Art Workshop will allow participants to relax while embracing the essence of The Great Fashion Stitch Up community event. Colouring-in and collaging activities will allow participants to transfer their unique touches to adorn their creations. Participants can take home fabric to use later, a no-sew bag, a hat… the possibilities are endless!
‘With the assistance of Friends of Libraries Australia (FOLA), we have come up with three great workshops in the library for this community event,’ said Rowena Sierant, Bellingen Shire Librarian.
Rowena added, ‘As an avid lover and explorer of Op Shops, this day will allow anyone to get creative, claim some items from the textile pile, refashion them for themselves and most importantly upcycle fashion that was destined for landfill!’
Everyone is invited and younger children can have a go with the help of older siblings and parents. All materials are supplied for this free event and no bookings are required.
‘We really want to support the message,’ said Rowena. ‘It’s time to change the culture and make people aware of the issues and impacts of textile waste.’
During the event we will be handing out Golden Tickets. There are four major prizes to be won as well as a chance to go behind the runway at the Memorial Hall. Bring the family, a friend or two and make a day of it. Remember no stitches required at the library for The Great Fashion Stitch Up!
