Australian Stitches — September 2017

From Castaway to

Couture

S

ustainability is a complex

concept to understand and

one that has not traditionally

been linked with the fashion

industry where the emphasis is on

novelty and in-built obsolescence.

In recent years a new wave

of independent designers

has emerged with a focus on

craftsmanship, quality and ethical

production. Hand-in hand with

this shift is the growing interest

in refashioning and recycling

garments.

The Australian Sewing Guild has

challenged sewing enthusiasts

and designers with their Castaway

to Couture competition for the

third year running. This year the

Guild partnered with Baby Lock

Australia to offer an Eclipse DX

overlocker as first prize. Other

prize donors, all ASG Industry

Partners, were Luttlerloh (NZ),

Anne Whalley Personal Stylist &

Colour Consultant, the Pattern

Drafter, Zebra Fabrics, Thread Den,

Brave Fabrics and Chillipop

The competition brief was to buy

a maximum of 3garment from any

Op Shop or raid the wardrobe for

garments in need of a make-over,

then turn it/them into something

entirely new. Emphasis was placed

on using as much of the original

garments as possible in keeping

with the concept of sustainability.

An amazing collection of

36 garments were entered,

showcasing creative genius from

around Australia.

Viewers’ choice winners were

determined by popular vote based

on a gallery of entries on the ASG

blog. First place was awarded to

Kristy Chan who transformed one

box pleat skirt into a stylish fitted

sheath dress Second place went to

Stacey Mealin who deconstructed

a pair of ladies pants and produced

a trendy shirt for her son.

By Louise Sparrow

ASG Update