I just love the idea of recycling or upcycling fashion clothing. I have already reused and have a small dedicated group of followers who contribute on various sewing projects that encourages reusing our old clothes to make new trendy fashion clothing or accessories. One such project was to use our old clothing and sew a vanity bag.
With creativity and group contribution we are seeing satisfactory results.
We will always support the cause and the agenda of the UN 2030.
I always insist and prefer to go the local way. If I don’t find something I just ask them if they can reproduce one for me. And most of them happily do it.
from my childhood days i have seen my mother takes meticulous plans to make one dress for us, i grew up with this habit. sometimes i dont get time to make a complete dress. then i buy and remake it in new shape, embroider, add lace. and very recently i have a boutique named brush and needle. i am making clothes for friends
Heard you on 774. Important work. Well done. So much waste of resources in short term use of manufactured goods such as clothing. Also there is huge environmental damage from textile production in some countries.
Regards Robyn J
Thanks for your relevant and inspiring presentation at the National HEIA conference in Melbourne and congratulations on your presentation on ABC 24 this morning. I am going to set myself a challenge, change my ways and modify that year 9 course! Many thanks Jane.
I’ve just viewed Jane Milburn interviewed on ABC TV & would value contact. I’m involved in practice of Eco & indigo dyeing
& would appreciate more resource
Knowledge etc
Thanks in anticipation
Rita Petersen
I don’t understand the obsession with shopping. Malls are close enough to hell, crammed full of poor quality clothing, all with the same look (the fixation recently on uneven hemlines for dresses, skirts AND tops.) And the explosion in synthetic fabric that is so wrong for Australia’s generally hot, humid summers.
There is a perception that buying something will make us happy. Well, it doesn’t. We all know that, if we are honest with ourselves. The whole consumer economy (and I mean over-consumption) is terribly damaging to people, their pockets and the environment. How can people possibly like a piece of poor quality merchandise made in a sweat factory using impoverished labour?
It’s always refreshing to see somebody making or wearing something that suits them, not the rampant clothing economy.
I make my own because I am me, not everybody else.
Hi Rita, great you are enjoy eco dyeing … India Flint’s book Eco Colour is a fabulous resource … or I suggest you read some of the eco-dye Slow Clothing stories on this site (scroll across to the Slow Clothing tab, then scroll down and click on any of the stories of interest. Regards, Jane
Hi Jane,
My name is Dylan Elkman. Ive recently graduated from RMIT with the BA fashion (design and technology) and am about to embark on further study at Kangan in fashion design and merchandising. I am in the process of developing a range of clothing with a big focus on up-cycled and recycled textiles. However it proving to be quite a difficult process especially trying to source these fabrics locally…. I have had some success finding some suppliers that specialize in recycled polyesters and nylons with the majority of the fibers derived from used plastic bottles. Ive also looked in to Tencel and recycled superfine merino wool which seems like a really appropriate alternative to the very thirsty cotton and up-cycled wools that use old garments.
I was just wondering if you had any contacts, that may be able help get in contact with local producers of any of these products, or any suggestions in helping me.
Love what your doing, Kind regards.
Dylan Elkman
Hi Dylan, thanks for your inquiry and great that you are seeking to be sustainable with your clothing initiative. I’ve sent you an email with a few suggestions. Regards Jane
Hi Jane. I read your story in the HonestlyWoman mag and was inspired. I facilitate a home-based childcare in Samford Valley and this year wanting to introduce more of the home arts to the children. So, this term we have decided to bring out the sewing machine and so far have made pencil cases and now deciding to get a bit more serious with some ‘real’ clothing, hoping to inspire the little ones with the possibility of one day making their own clothing. So we have begun with Pippy Longstocking aprons size 3 – 5 years. We shall sell them at our local school shop…small beginnings. Thanks for sharing your story and shall share it with my friends.
Would love to come to one of your talks one day.
Hi Vicki, Thanks for lovely feedback. It is great you are showing children how to make things for themselves. Global industrial supply chains might be efficient, but there are downsides we are only beginning to appreciate – and one downside is the loss of skills and satisfaction from doing it for yourself. Hope to catch up with you sometime too :). Regards
Jane
Hi Jane,
I have just started academic researching about how second hand clothing global supply chain operates with main focus on at the very end of the chain where clothing is not wearable at all and got turned into rags for cleaning purposes. Overseas rags business, mainly based on exports to developed countries from a developing one, is a financially viable solution as well as support environment to some extend by extending life of clothing. I am in need of some relevant industry research supervisor who can supervise or guide me to write this paper. can you please help me out, if possible.
thank you.
regards,
aamir
Hi Jane
Your dedication to sustainability is inspirational! I found your post, ‘Rethinking clothing culture and waste’, to be really informative. I’ve always loved clothing and design, and studied textiles in high school. Your post reminded me how fun it can be to fix up and customise clothes which have been pushed to the back of my closet. But not only is it a great creative outlet, its also great for fashion sustainability.
I would love it if you checked out my new blog on adopting sustainable fashion practises through clothes up-cycling. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Many thanks,
Georgia Donaldson
Hi Jane
Very Inspiring…I have just found your Website as I was researching the Legalities of re-selling second-hand and altered or upcycled clothing…
I was looking for any information on what I hope will happen for this year 2018 as a repeat of your organised Slow Clothing Festival in Brisbane…I would Love to get involved in at the very least creating a garment for the Fashion Show.
I hope this movement gets even bigger and would Love to be involved in spreading this important message 🙂
Warm Regards, Danielle Robertson
Hi Danielle, yes we are getting organised for Worn OUT?! again this year (in October) and would love to have you make a refashioned/upcycled garment. You can subscribe to On the Textile Beat e-news on this website or @textilebeat on facebook to ensure you get updates when the time comes, or follow Reverse Garbage with whom it is a collaboration. Good to see movement happening 🙂 Jane
Hi Jane, I have just finished reading your book and found it very inspiring.
I live on a small community farm in the Yarra Valley, Victoria called PEACE Farm (stands for: Permaculture, Education, Art, Community, Enterprise) and my husband and I are just about to start up an up-cycling centre called ‘Relab’ at a local environmental park called ECOSS (I’ll be running up-cycled textiles/slow clothing sessions).
I really just wanted to make a connection with you and to invite you to visit if ever you are in Victoria. I have a couple of facebook pages: facebook.com/victoriabasdeo or vickybasdeosacredartsandcrafts.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Warm regards
Vicky Basdeo
Thanks Vicky, sounds like you are doing great things. I’ll be in Victoria for the Soul Craft festival on June 9-10. Sadly don’t think I’ll have time for a trip to Yarra Valley this time, but will definitely keep it in mind for future trips. All the best with Relab, Regards Jane
Hi, loved your author talk at the library and also love the book. Whilst I’ve always been an avid recycler I’m now adjusting my mindset and only want to focus on using natural fibres. When shopping at op shops I can pick a couple of natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk quite easily, but I do have difficulty identifying other fabrics especially if the tag has been removed.
Do you have any suggestions or simple guidelines for identifying natural fabrics that would help?
Thank you and kind regards Trish
Hi Trish, thanks for coming along and lovely feedback. Yes, it can be tricky identifying fibres without tags. My way of identifying is mostly through feel, which is a learned thing, as well as smell and whether or not they glisten in the sunlight. Synthetics will sparkle when in the sun, whereas natural fibres (except silk) tend to absorb the light. Synthetics have more of a slippery/sticky feel than natural fibres. They may also have a plasticky smell, whereas wool (particularly when wet) is more likely to have a lanolin/sheepy (!) smell and wet silk (particularly if a heavy-weave style) also has a distinctive earthy smell. If hand-knitted, wool garments are heavier than synthetic. If you can see stray fibres, pull a few off and try the burn test outside: synthetics will melt into a globby black ball, whereas wool will smoulder and plant fibres crumble into ash. Sometimes wearing the garments is how you can identify if synthetic in them, because they produce static electricity and stick to you in dry weather. Hope this helps. Jane
Myself Denish Lunagaria (I am Textile and Fashion Technologist with background of fashion design) currently doing Master of Commerce (Marketing) in Curtin University, Perth. I wish to do a vacation work or join you in one of your projects as a part of internship. Do you have any store in Perth or are you associated to any other store in Perth?
Hi Jane,
Love the website and all you do for the environment and fashion Industry.
I launched my fashion label mid 2018 (www.dalmor.com.au) at the moment I am in the process of building a solid customer base and following. I am practicing sustainability in regards to the way I source and order. Choosing lower QTY’s however during this initial stage, it is hard and I have surcum to the pressures of sales and focus on moving product. However I really want to get back to my roots, and will start to introduce organic cotton to replace best selling items, I am however finding it difficult to find suppliers of all colours and styles to transition completely.
I just thought with your vast amount of experience and contacts you might be able to offer some suggestion.
Hi Dylan, good to receive your update. Because I’m not in the business of making clothes for others, sadly I can’t really help with your inquiry. You could try Alison Jose, who is on instagram @stscsustainabletextiles All the best, Jane
Hi Jane,
I have some questions about care and content labels on upcycled garments. I’ve tried to research it but I can’t find any regulations or laws specifically that apply to this category. Are the garments considered second hand and are removable tags sufficient or do they still require permanently attached fabric labels?
I would be deeply grateful for any knowledge you could impart or any help in pointing me to the right information.
Hello Jane, my name is Louise and I’ve been to a few of your workshops in the past, and needless to say I enjoyed them immensely. You immediately came to mind after I saw the program of what is happening in Ghana…..so sad and appalling. It’s unfortunate that the message isn’t getting through, and it’s not only the younger generation, although you’d like to think that people of our generation are more likely to sit up and take notice. We can live in hope. Regards Louise R
Hi Louise, yes that ABC Foreign Correspondent program was a depressing insight into the multiple impacts our clothing habits have in developing nations. I agree, it is depressing to see that consumption of fast fashion continues to rise despite more information and awareness. Thanks for your positive feedback on my workshops, we are influencing change just by paying attention. Bestest wishes 🙂
Hi Jane,
I am a school student looking to ask some questions about Australians and sustainable clothing choices. I was wondering if we have reduced our clothing and textile footprint and are successfully implementing clothing with biodegradable materials. I would also like to know where these clothes can be purchased. Your knowledge about this topic would be gratefully appreciated.
Hi Alisa, there is a lot more awareness of these issues now, but I do not believe it has translated into reduced consumption. The sheer volume of clothes in the market remains the key problem. The industry needs to produce less, and we the wearers need to buy less and wear clothes for longer. I believe two-thirds of clothing are still being made from synthetic (plastic) fibres derived from fossil fuels because they are cheaper. Although some of the plastic is now recycled, it is still shedding microplastics with wearing and washing. I can’t really advise on where to purchase natural fibres clothes because I make most of my own. There are many small local brands doing a good job, and some larger ones like Target seem to using more natural fibres. Hope this helps. Jane
Just beautiful, Wendi. I’m taking my first eco dyeing class this week. Hopefully we’ll meet when all of us Slow Clothing makers get together.
I just love the idea of recycling or upcycling fashion clothing. I have already reused and have a small dedicated group of followers who contribute on various sewing projects that encourages reusing our old clothes to make new trendy fashion clothing or accessories. One such project was to use our old clothing and sew a vanity bag.
With creativity and group contribution we are seeing satisfactory results.
We will always support the cause and the agenda of the UN 2030.
Keep up the good work guys.
Regards
Susan
Not only talented but Denise has a healthy sense of environmental waste and how to respond to it.
Hello,
Are you available to speak at group meetings or a social event?
If so would there be a fee and at what cost?
I always insist and prefer to go the local way. If I don’t find something I just ask them if they can reproduce one for me. And most of them happily do it.
from my childhood days i have seen my mother takes meticulous plans to make one dress for us, i grew up with this habit. sometimes i dont get time to make a complete dress. then i buy and remake it in new shape, embroider, add lace. and very recently i have a boutique named brush and needle. i am making clothes for friends
Hi Marie, yes I speak at events and the cost is variable depending on group involved
Heard you on 774. Important work. Well done. So much waste of resources in short term use of manufactured goods such as clothing. Also there is huge environmental damage from textile production in some countries.
Regards Robyn J
Thanks Robyn, good to know we are on the same page. Jane xx
Thanks for your relevant and inspiring presentation at the National HEIA conference in Melbourne and congratulations on your presentation on ABC 24 this morning. I am going to set myself a challenge, change my ways and modify that year 9 course! Many thanks Jane.
I’ve just viewed Jane Milburn interviewed on ABC TV & would value contact. I’m involved in practice of Eco & indigo dyeing
& would appreciate more resource
Knowledge etc
Thanks in anticipation
Rita Petersen
Catherine, thanks for lovely feedback and for affirming my work. Exciting that you are making changes for yourself and students too. 🙂
I don’t understand the obsession with shopping. Malls are close enough to hell, crammed full of poor quality clothing, all with the same look (the fixation recently on uneven hemlines for dresses, skirts AND tops.) And the explosion in synthetic fabric that is so wrong for Australia’s generally hot, humid summers.
There is a perception that buying something will make us happy. Well, it doesn’t. We all know that, if we are honest with ourselves. The whole consumer economy (and I mean over-consumption) is terribly damaging to people, their pockets and the environment. How can people possibly like a piece of poor quality merchandise made in a sweat factory using impoverished labour?
It’s always refreshing to see somebody making or wearing something that suits them, not the rampant clothing economy.
I make my own because I am me, not everybody else.
Hi Rita, great you are enjoy eco dyeing … India Flint’s book Eco Colour is a fabulous resource … or I suggest you read some of the eco-dye Slow Clothing stories on this site (scroll across to the Slow Clothing tab, then scroll down and click on any of the stories of interest. Regards, Jane
Well done Cate, for doing Indie Style. It is great you have time and skills to make something to suit yourself. Kindest, Jane
Hi Jane,
My name is Dylan Elkman. Ive recently graduated from RMIT with the BA fashion (design and technology) and am about to embark on further study at Kangan in fashion design and merchandising. I am in the process of developing a range of clothing with a big focus on up-cycled and recycled textiles. However it proving to be quite a difficult process especially trying to source these fabrics locally…. I have had some success finding some suppliers that specialize in recycled polyesters and nylons with the majority of the fibers derived from used plastic bottles. Ive also looked in to Tencel and recycled superfine merino wool which seems like a really appropriate alternative to the very thirsty cotton and up-cycled wools that use old garments.
I was just wondering if you had any contacts, that may be able help get in contact with local producers of any of these products, or any suggestions in helping me.
Love what your doing, Kind regards.
Dylan Elkman
Hi Dylan, thanks for your inquiry and great that you are seeking to be sustainable with your clothing initiative. I’ve sent you an email with a few suggestions. Regards Jane
This concludes that australia consumption is very large considering their small population
Wasting is huge and it should be upcycled as suggested
Hi Jane. I read your story in the HonestlyWoman mag and was inspired. I facilitate a home-based childcare in Samford Valley and this year wanting to introduce more of the home arts to the children. So, this term we have decided to bring out the sewing machine and so far have made pencil cases and now deciding to get a bit more serious with some ‘real’ clothing, hoping to inspire the little ones with the possibility of one day making their own clothing. So we have begun with Pippy Longstocking aprons size 3 – 5 years. We shall sell them at our local school shop…small beginnings. Thanks for sharing your story and shall share it with my friends.
Would love to come to one of your talks one day.
Hi Vicki, Thanks for lovely feedback. It is great you are showing children how to make things for themselves. Global industrial supply chains might be efficient, but there are downsides we are only beginning to appreciate – and one downside is the loss of skills and satisfaction from doing it for yourself. Hope to catch up with you sometime too :). Regards
Jane
Hello Jane. We are getting closer to initiating our ‘mending circle’ here at Rose Blossom Children childcare…will let you know when it is underway.
Sounds fabulous Vicky – teaching life skills for sustainability, well done.
Hello Mrs Kingston,
glad to see you are still colourful and creative
Regards, Anne Matyear
Hi Jane,
I have just started academic researching about how second hand clothing global supply chain operates with main focus on at the very end of the chain where clothing is not wearable at all and got turned into rags for cleaning purposes. Overseas rags business, mainly based on exports to developed countries from a developing one, is a financially viable solution as well as support environment to some extend by extending life of clothing. I am in need of some relevant industry research supervisor who can supervise or guide me to write this paper. can you please help me out, if possible.
thank you.
regards,
aamir
All the best with the research Aamir – will be in touch via email. Jane
Hi Jane
Your dedication to sustainability is inspirational! I found your post, ‘Rethinking clothing culture and waste’, to be really informative. I’ve always loved clothing and design, and studied textiles in high school. Your post reminded me how fun it can be to fix up and customise clothes which have been pushed to the back of my closet. But not only is it a great creative outlet, its also great for fashion sustainability.
I would love it if you checked out my new blog on adopting sustainable fashion practises through clothes up-cycling. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Many thanks,
Georgia Donaldson
Good luck with the blog Georgia, it looks great! Thanks for lovely feedback too. 🙂
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Hi Jane
Very Inspiring…I have just found your Website as I was researching the Legalities of re-selling second-hand and altered or upcycled clothing…
I was looking for any information on what I hope will happen for this year 2018 as a repeat of your organised Slow Clothing Festival in Brisbane…I would Love to get involved in at the very least creating a garment for the Fashion Show.
I hope this movement gets even bigger and would Love to be involved in spreading this important message 🙂
Warm Regards, Danielle Robertson
Hi Danielle, yes we are getting organised for Worn OUT?! again this year (in October) and would love to have you make a refashioned/upcycled garment. You can subscribe to On the Textile Beat e-news on this website or @textilebeat on facebook to ensure you get updates when the time comes, or follow Reverse Garbage with whom it is a collaboration. Good to see movement happening 🙂 Jane
Hi Jane, I have just finished reading your book and found it very inspiring.
I live on a small community farm in the Yarra Valley, Victoria called PEACE Farm (stands for: Permaculture, Education, Art, Community, Enterprise) and my husband and I are just about to start up an up-cycling centre called ‘Relab’ at a local environmental park called ECOSS (I’ll be running up-cycled textiles/slow clothing sessions).
I really just wanted to make a connection with you and to invite you to visit if ever you are in Victoria. I have a couple of facebook pages: facebook.com/victoriabasdeo or vickybasdeosacredartsandcrafts.
Thanks again for the inspiration!
Warm regards
Vicky Basdeo
Thanks Vicky, sounds like you are doing great things. I’ll be in Victoria for the Soul Craft festival on June 9-10. Sadly don’t think I’ll have time for a trip to Yarra Valley this time, but will definitely keep it in mind for future trips. All the best with Relab, Regards Jane
Hi, loved your author talk at the library and also love the book. Whilst I’ve always been an avid recycler I’m now adjusting my mindset and only want to focus on using natural fibres. When shopping at op shops I can pick a couple of natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk quite easily, but I do have difficulty identifying other fabrics especially if the tag has been removed.
Do you have any suggestions or simple guidelines for identifying natural fabrics that would help?
Thank you and kind regards Trish
Hi Trish, thanks for coming along and lovely feedback. Yes, it can be tricky identifying fibres without tags. My way of identifying is mostly through feel, which is a learned thing, as well as smell and whether or not they glisten in the sunlight. Synthetics will sparkle when in the sun, whereas natural fibres (except silk) tend to absorb the light. Synthetics have more of a slippery/sticky feel than natural fibres. They may also have a plasticky smell, whereas wool (particularly when wet) is more likely to have a lanolin/sheepy (!) smell and wet silk (particularly if a heavy-weave style) also has a distinctive earthy smell. If hand-knitted, wool garments are heavier than synthetic. If you can see stray fibres, pull a few off and try the burn test outside: synthetics will melt into a globby black ball, whereas wool will smoulder and plant fibres crumble into ash. Sometimes wearing the garments is how you can identify if synthetic in them, because they produce static electricity and stick to you in dry weather. Hope this helps. Jane
Hi,
Myself Denish Lunagaria (I am Textile and Fashion Technologist with background of fashion design) currently doing Master of Commerce (Marketing) in Curtin University, Perth. I wish to do a vacation work or join you in one of your projects as a part of internship. Do you have any store in Perth or are you associated to any other store in Perth?
Are any such opportunities open at your end?
Regards,
Denish Lunagaria
Hi Denish, thanks for your interest in what we do, I will be in touch by email re opportunities. Regards Jane
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Hi Jane,
Love the website and all you do for the environment and fashion Industry.
I launched my fashion label mid 2018 (www.dalmor.com.au) at the moment I am in the process of building a solid customer base and following. I am practicing sustainability in regards to the way I source and order. Choosing lower QTY’s however during this initial stage, it is hard and I have surcum to the pressures of sales and focus on moving product. However I really want to get back to my roots, and will start to introduce organic cotton to replace best selling items, I am however finding it difficult to find suppliers of all colours and styles to transition completely.
I just thought with your vast amount of experience and contacts you might be able to offer some suggestion.
https://www.facebook.com/Dalmorr/
https://www.instagram.com/_dalmor/
http://www.dalmor.com.au
Regards
Dylan Elkman
Hi Dylan, good to receive your update. Because I’m not in the business of making clothes for others, sadly I can’t really help with your inquiry. You could try Alison Jose, who is on instagram @stscsustainabletextiles All the best, Jane
Hi Jane,
I have some questions about care and content labels on upcycled garments. I’ve tried to research it but I can’t find any regulations or laws specifically that apply to this category. Are the garments considered second hand and are removable tags sufficient or do they still require permanently attached fabric labels?
I would be deeply grateful for any knowledge you could impart or any help in pointing me to the right information.
Thank You
Jessie
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Hello Jane, my name is Louise and I’ve been to a few of your workshops in the past, and needless to say I enjoyed them immensely. You immediately came to mind after I saw the program of what is happening in Ghana…..so sad and appalling. It’s unfortunate that the message isn’t getting through, and it’s not only the younger generation, although you’d like to think that people of our generation are more likely to sit up and take notice. We can live in hope. Regards Louise R
Hi Louise, yes that ABC Foreign Correspondent program was a depressing insight into the multiple impacts our clothing habits have in developing nations. I agree, it is depressing to see that consumption of fast fashion continues to rise despite more information and awareness. Thanks for your positive feedback on my workshops, we are influencing change just by paying attention. Bestest wishes 🙂
Hi Jane,
I am a school student looking to ask some questions about Australians and sustainable clothing choices. I was wondering if we have reduced our clothing and textile footprint and are successfully implementing clothing with biodegradable materials. I would also like to know where these clothes can be purchased. Your knowledge about this topic would be gratefully appreciated.
Thank you
Alisa
Hi Alisa, there is a lot more awareness of these issues now, but I do not believe it has translated into reduced consumption. The sheer volume of clothes in the market remains the key problem. The industry needs to produce less, and we the wearers need to buy less and wear clothes for longer. I believe two-thirds of clothing are still being made from synthetic (plastic) fibres derived from fossil fuels because they are cheaper. Although some of the plastic is now recycled, it is still shedding microplastics with wearing and washing. I can’t really advise on where to purchase natural fibres clothes because I make most of my own. There are many small local brands doing a good job, and some larger ones like Target seem to using more natural fibres. Hope this helps. Jane
A great way we can reduce our footprint is by sourcing from Op Shops,
Look for natural fibres.
Teaching our community to read labels. Understand the language of fabrics and composition of garments.
Create a clothing community. Wear, share , pass on is our Family motto.
Cheers Jane Loveday
LOVE your range. It’s breadth and depth is extraordinary.
Thanks so much Jo. I am excited by the Sustainable Island project you’ve initiated and look forward to being involved. 🙂