Rural leaders stitch together

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Article by Ali Francis

Queensland Country Life newspaper 25/7/2013

Jane and Ele with heartstone

As a guest of Jane Milburn and Ele Cook at Brisbane’s TextileBeat studio, it is safe to say their passion for “upcycling” is infectious.

After being personally instructed on how to transform a slouchy old jumper into (a totally wearable) skirt, the two vivacious women behind this marvellous concept outlined their appreciation for nature, agriculture, sewing and holistic living.

Intrinsically connected through a genuine concern for rural Australia, these soul sisters met through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, were both recipients of the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award, and are now “study buddies” for their leadership courses through James Cook University.

In a freakish coincidence, further reflecting their grounded love for nature, both Jane and Ele are avid collectors of heart stones that have been perfectly shaped by nature. Read more here

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Creative ways to cherish and value natural fibres

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Textile Beat studioIn a finite world, we need to treasure our limited natural resources … beautiful things made from fibres, wood, leather, stone and shells.

Instead of tossing them away when they have fallen out of favour, we are exploring creative ways to repurpose them for a second life.

The mountain of textile cast-offs is growing by the year as our consumer society chases bigger, brighter, newer … rather than utilising and valuing the resource they represent.

At the TextileBeat studio, in Brisbane Australia, we are upcycling natural fibres, fabrics and found objects … and following the heart on a creative journey. In so doing, we are combining wellbeing and passion for creativity with social enterprise.

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