Being just a little bit obsessed with patchwork at the moment, combined with a love of repairing and hand stitching, I've cobbled together the perfectly imperfect solution to use up some remnants, a new washcloth made from recycled towels and off-cuts. These can be used for washing up, and are also quite thick and padded, so make great pot holders for hot dishes too.
They're easy to make, creatively satisfying combining prints and patterns, and will last for years. The perfect rainy day project and a great use for old towels that could have a bit more life squeezed out of them. Sustainability plus!!!!
Instructions:
I cut up an old towel into squares 20cm x 20cm and sewed together patches of linen remnants to the same size for the reverse.
Then sewn inside out, leaving a 10cm gap in the center to bag out, (turn in the right way), which can then be hand stitched closed or sewn around the outside with a 5mm top stitch to create an edge.
I then use two very basic stitch techniques, the running stitch, (left image below), in lines running throughout, and blanket stitch, (right image below), for the edging. Embroidery threads have been used to add detail, I find most of my threads in local op shops, (always check the haberdashery section at op-shops, they have the best treasures from retired sewers, and you can find some unique gems for a fraction of new prices.
These perfectly imperfect, wabi sabi style dish cloths, make the best Eco-friendly, personalised gifts, and are a clever way to recycle old materials and scrap fabrics that will last a life time.
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Founded by Carry Somers and Orsola de Castro, it brings together the world’s largest fashion activism movement for seven days of action, and came about as the result of the tragic collapse of garment manufacturing factory, Rana Plaza, in 2013, which caused the death of 1,134 people, and injured approximately 2500. (Fashion Revolution.org).
Fashion Revolution 2022 Manifesto -This year, from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th April 2022, we will collectively re-imagine a just and equitable fashion system for people and the planet.
Passionate about being involved in the global movement calling for change & transparency within the fashion industry, we designers at Further Doings Studio, have curated a collection exhibiting reinvented, and recycled fashion and jewellery, using off-cuts and recycled materials, aiming for zero waste while challenging a more considered design approach. This will be on display in our store/studio.
Showcasing an opportunity for designers alike, to stop and consider how design practices can be refined from concept to production, what happens with waste, and how to create and support a circular, sustainable fashion environment. As consumers, to ask the question, who made my clothes, where were they made, were the workers paid fairly?
For more information and to support the Fashion Revolution movement head to https://www.fashionrevolution.org/
Third image on right of banner credited to Fashion Revolution Instagram Page.
]]>When introducing new products to my range, a big part of the design process is ensuring that the materials I use are ethical and sustainable, what can I use that already exists, can be re-purposed, what's available using recycled materials.
Denim, sturdy and strong, second-hand Jeans, I always see them when I'm op-shopping, and through my time working in charity stores I saw styles go out of fashion, sitting around not selling, potentially ending up in landfill, along with broken zips, holes, and stains. These can all be cut around and quality pieces can be salvaged and incorporated into sunhats, as a screen printer, stains can be printed directly over, giving them a fresh lease of life.
Using a combination of recycled and natural materials, I've created a unique, triangulated design, starting out wide, narrowing towards the centre making it a friendly fit for all head sizes.The style is fully reversible, and expanding from denim, vintage upholstery and dead stock materials have also been added as the range grows.
Who better to sport in a Sly and Company sunhat than Kate Hall from Ethically Kate, one of our first sun hat purchasers and has lived in her sun hat ever since!
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Everything at Inc began with a concept, and that is what Helen looks for, along with quality, skill, and entrepreneurship when selecting what to showcase. There is a real, independent creative person behind each product, most of whom are New Zealand-based and create their own ranges from start to finish. We love the collection of brands Inc. Design store supports and are proud to sit amongst such a diverse and talented cohort.
If you're looking to wholesale Sly and Company, let's collaborate and tailor-made just for you and your store.
Even the space itself has a story, when you pop in she'll tell it all! Go visit: Photo credits @inc.store
18 Greta Street,
Oamaru 9400
Ph 0212456063
Sly & Co. define funky. Their pieces are made by the loveliest of humans, Lou, in her beautiful Grey Lynn studio in Auckland. Think artsy bold prints that you could wear any day of the week, plus chunky accessories to make a simple outfit pop. Sly & Co. also sell upcycled and preloved clothing if that’s your cuppa tea too.
Thanks Kate for the write up! Even more thankful you love our new summer sunhats!
Shop the sunhat collections now in accessories ....
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