for teens in Trentham

IN an increasingly costly world, a workshop in Trentham this weekend is among the most useful investments a teenager could make.

The Teen Upcycle Workshop takes place this Saturday 23 May 10am to 2pm at The Mechanics Trentham.

“This is a new event from The Trentham Fashion Swap Project specifically offering our young people in the region an opportunity to learn sewing, repair and upcycling skills and have some creative fun,” workshop co-ordinator Susan Morelli said.

“If the interest is there, we would love to run this workshop again and maybe one for adults later in 2026.

“The Upcycle Workshop is an initiative of Trentham Sustainability Group (TSG) as part of our Waste Reduction Initiative to reuse textiles and reduce fashion waste that goes into landfill.

“We want to provide a positive, fun event for our local teens where they can learn simple sewing, repair and alteration skills to create their own clothes and understand more about the circular economy of textiles and clothing.

Upcycled jeans are an example of the sorts of pieces that will be created at the Upcycle Workshop for teenagers in Trentham this Saturday. Photo: Trentham Sustainability Group.

“We will also demonstrate how to add groovy patches and embroidery on clothing.”

Morelli said the workshop is aimed at any young person aged 12 to 18 years in the Central Highlands region who would love to sew and redesign clothing.

The event came about when Morelli, who is TSG’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Lead, networked with local sewers to develop a workshop for local teens to come and learn simple sewing skills and redesign new garments from old.

She said there are still some spaces for this Saturday’s workshop and those keen to participate should register by emailing [email protected].

“We will have a door prize bag of goodies to raffle on the day and are providing drinks, snacks, some materials and sewing machines,” Morelli said.

Participants are asked to bring along fabric or an old garment they wish to upcycle with local op shops a suggested source of suitable pieces.

“They are welcome to bring their own machine if they prefer, plus a pair of sewing scissors. The cost is $20 and we have some sponsored places available.”