The Stitch It workshop series has officially launched, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the overwhelming response we received for our first event of 2023. In collaboration with Fashion Revolution New Zealand and with the generous sponsorship of The Fabric Store, we gathered together at Brothers Beer Orakei in Auckland for a day filled with creativity, learning, and community spirit.
The primary goal of Stitch It is to empower individuals to extend the lifespan of their clothing through the mastery of core skills in mending and upcycling. By equipping ourselves with these valuable techniques, we can reduce waste, save money, and make a positive impact on our local environment. Furthermore, all the proceeds from the Stitch It workshop series go towards supporting the essential services provided by Dove Hospice & Wellness, which are available to the public free of charge. It’s a win-win situation that allows us to contribute to a worthy cause while enriching our own lives.
During our first workshop, attendees had the opportunity to participate in engaging tutorials led by skilled instructors. From learning core hand-sewing stitches to discovering the art of mending seams, sewing buttons, darning socks, patching holes, and even covering stains with beautiful embroidery, participants gained practical knowledge that they can apply to their clothing repair endeavors. As a special treat, we have prepared a snippet from the workshop—an illustration guide on “How to Sew a Button” for you to enjoy.
At Dove’s Distribution Centre, where we process an average of 6,000 clothing items per week, we have witnessed first-hand the challenges posed by the current fast fashion landscape. The market is flooded with inexpensive garments that often encourage a culture of disposability, leading to excessive waste. To combat this trend, we believe in the power of repairing and caring for our clothes. By investing time and effort into mending items, we can increase their longevity, reduce the resources needed for their production, and ultimately minimize their environmental impact. When donated clothing is repaired and well-maintained prior to donation, it not only enhances its value but also ensures that it finds a new home where it will be cherished and utilized for longer.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that we are already in the planning stages for our next three workshops. Mark your calendars for June 15th, September 21st, and November 30th as we delve into different aspects of clothing repair and upcycling. The upcoming workshops will focus on alterations, machine sewing and upcycling, and refreshing your wardrobe, respectively. In addition to the hands-on tutorials, each workshop will offer a delightful experience with refreshments, nibbles, inspiring guest speakers, and a digital take-home pack filled with valuable resources.
If the Stitch It workshop series resonates with you and you’d love to be a part of this transformative journey, we encourage you to secure your spot by visiting our Eventbrite page for Stitch It (workshop no.2). Hurry and grab yourticketsbefore they sell out! Together, let’s embrace the power of mending, nurturing our clothes, and fostering a more sustainable approach to fashion.
