Sustainable fashion in focus

Mount Gambier Library is joining forces with local textiles group, Twisted Threads, to promote National Recycling Week (November 10 – 16) with a call out for the local to get involved, get creative and give new life to old materials.

Established close to 16 years ago, Twisted Threads is a vibrant group of local crafters who share a passion for creativity in all forms of textiles.

Twisted Threads founding member Julianne Woodruff (pictured) said they meet twice a week at the Mount Gambier Library with members of all ages and varying in experience.

“We follow the three Cs: Creativity, Coffee, Conversation – and not always in that particular order! It’s a chance to share knowledge and skills, build friendships and contribute to community events and fundraising,” Ms Woodruff said.

To mark National Recycling Week, the community is encouraged to declutter and donate unwanted crafting materials to the Mount Gambier Library.

All donations will be sorted and redistributed to local kindergartens, age care homes, or repurposed by Twisted Threads for community projects.

“We will happily accept wool, material, felt – any textile material, and even craft magazines and patterns. They can all be repurposed and support creative users,” Ms Woodruff said.

The highlight of the week will be a ‘Stitch and Fix’ event on Tuesday, November 11, 10am to 3pm at the Mount Gambier Library where Twisted Threads members will help people learn simple, practical mending skills.

“Bring in your problems; a lost button, dodgy zip and someone will show you how to fix your clothes rather than simply throwing them away and adding to landfill,” Ms Woodruff said.

Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy live demonstrations of crocheting, felting, knitting, quilting, weaving and upcycling projects; showcasing how scraps of fabric and damaged garments can be transformed into something new and useful.

“Stop for a chat, learn to mend your clothing, watch some of the group in action – and maybe even consider joining our group.”