Grampians Central West WRRG invites you to explore the ideas of Ethical Fashion through a number of online workshops being held during National Recycling Week, 9 – 15 November 2020.

We are dedicated to working with slow clothing industry leaders to engage communities and schools to raise awareness about the ethical and environmental cost of our dominant throwaway textile culture.  We apply a re-style, re-use and repair approach to everything we are doing in this space.

In 2020, we are excited to bring you FREE Ethical Fashion Workshop’s!  Whilst wanting to expand on last year’s events, with more workshops and more presenters, 2020 and Covid had other ideas..

All the workshops and events put on by the Group for the Ethical Fashion Festival are being provided FREE.

We appreciate your support and hope you find a workshop you like and this inspires you to mend, reuse, recycle and love your clothes again!

Come and join us online at one of the events below, and look out for more information on our social media pages.

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Registration must be undertaken for all Festival events .

If you having trouble, please contact us via email: info@gcwwrrg.vic.gov.au

2020 Ethical Fashion Festival Presenters

Andrea Hurley – Hattie and The Wolf

We are thrilled to announce that Andrea Hurley, Hattie and The Wolf,  will launch this year’s Ballarat Ethical Fashion Online Workshops.

Andrea has spent many years in the market scene, surrounded by makers and artisans with incredible talent and a captivating creative spirit prior to opening Hattie and the Wolf. I soon realised that I needed to create a space that celebrated the maker, a space that captured the very essence of that creativity for all to see.

Over the years she has housed the work of many amazing artists and makers, some of those local to Ballarat and others further abroad. Regardless of where they have come from, each have been carefully hand selected to meet our stores values and ethos.

Sustainability is something Andrea is passionate about. It’s important for her to know where the products that she stocks have come from, and by whom they were made. Throug her carefully considered range, she aims to encourage her customers to shop consciously and know the story behind the item they are purchasing.

Utilising the space upstairs as a Preloved Clothing Boutique followed quite naturally. A chance meeting with Sustainable Fashion Advocate Bianca Flint and her business The Wardrobe Green has developed into a passionate collaboration. The space we call ‘Hattie’s Wardrobe Green’ has developed into a partnership we can both be very proud of. We buy and sell high end women’s clothing and accessories, and have also developed our own range of upcycled clothing called ‘UPCYCLED’. Bianca and I are both passionate about circular fashion and are pleased to have established a place where women can ‘trade in’ their beautiful, well cared for clothes.

Hattie and the Wolf is now Ballarat’s go-to destination for lovers of eco friendly, Australian made, and locally handmade items. The minute you walk through the door you can see that everything inside has a story to tell. It’s a space I am proud to call my own and it’s true what they say ‘ do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life’.

Website: https://hattieandthewolf.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hattieandthewolf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hattieandthewolf/

Bethany Jakob – Bethany Alice Fashion Design

Bethany is a local Ballarat designer who studied Fashion at RMIT. She works on new commissions, alterations and the exciting ‘upcycled’ range.

She is passionate about the environmental impacts that fashion has on the world and is constantly looking for new solutions within her business and even personal life to help reduce those effects. Through her business she aims to educate others about ways consumers can reduce their impact on the environment through their fashion choices. Whether this is through getting a custom piece made that will get a lot of wear or altering a piece of clothing to avoid throwing it away.

She is passionate about inspiring people to live a more sustainable life through their fashion choices. Whether it is altering/upcycling clothes to inspire more confidence and increased wear, or, providing my own upcycled garments that are made solely from old clothes and fabric scraps to reduce waste. Now I am so excited to teach people easy sewing techniques to transform clothes themselves so they can get even more wear out of them.

‘There are so many things to do and I am so excited to continue my sustainable journey as well as meeting many amazing people and helping them create pieces that will have them feeling like a million bucks.’

Website: https://www.bethanyalice.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethanyalicefashiondesign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethanyalice_fashiondesign/

Bianca Flint – The Wardrobe Green

Bianca Flint is a Professional Op Shopper and Sustainable Fashion Stylist. Her business The Wardrobe Green; buys and sells quality preloved clothing, whilst educating women to shop more Sustainably. Bianca runs Workshops and Op Shop Tours, and is a passionate Body Positive advocate, and coach.

Website: https://www.thewardrobegreen.com.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewardrobegreen

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_wardrobe_green/

Jane Milburn – Textile Beat

Never in history have clothing, accessories, homewares and furniture been so affordable, bringing a culture of disposability and cast-offs going prematurely to landfill. All that is changing with coronavirus disruption of global supply chains and renewed focus on local, natural, handmade and upcycled things that bring meaning to our lives. Upcycling and refashioning clothes is a way for us to be engaged in the making process and begin to appreciate the resources, skills and time that go into the clothes we buy. By learning to repair and restyle, we extend the life of our clothes as we reduce our material footprint. As a lifelong slow fashion practitioner, Slow Clothing author Jane Milburn upcycled her career in 2013 to set up Textile Beat and be at the vanguard of change. Through her love of natural fibres, patina and wabi-sabi style, Jane shares insights and ideas to inspire creative reuse of existing natural resources.

Webpage: https://textilebeat.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TextileBeat

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/textilebeat/

Janette Wotherspoon

Janette Wotherspoon is a Ballarat based artist and designer.   Her studio, is set in her backyard and reflects her interest in gardening and inspires her creative practice.

Janette has been working and teaching in the fashion and textile industry until 2019 specializing as an Adobe software trainer in fashion/textile based learning.  Janette trained in fashion as a mature aged student, allowing her to extend those foundation skills learnt as a child with a love of craft and textiles in general.  Her passion and exploration of all things fashion and textiles continues today combined with an active arts practice.  In the past two years, her work has continued through the costume department at Sovereign Hill where she was involved in the recreation of costumes for the Red Hill photographers studio.   The highlight being a set of 10 Red Coat Soldier coatees full tailored using traditional techniques and processes.

The completion of the Diploma of Visual Arts at CAE over a 6 year period was highlighted by a major in Sculpture and Minor in Printmaking.   Janette joined in partnership with Anne Langdon in 2013 to create a business called Printscape Studio.  Janette and Anne produced a range of fashion accessories, dresses and home products using recycled fabrics from kimonos and incorporating unique printing as embellishment.  Anne and Janette continue to pursue their love of textiles, print and design together as a hobby project.

Her continued passion for creative practice has extended to membership of Ballarat Arts Alive and Goldfields Printmakers.  Janette continues to seek out learning and development through courses online, most recently “exploring pattern and texture” through textileartist.org.au.  This has resulted in a new passion for creative embroidery used in a contemporary way.  Exploring the redesign of clothing sought through OP Shopping has become a new side to her business and Janette hopes to continue to explore these possibilities through designing new one off contemporary garments in the future.

 

Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Modern Mending

Professional mender Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald will be talking about her experiences and skills solving mending problems. She has a gift for making old clothes into new art pieces using various techniques of ‘visible mending’, a fun, creative alternative to traditional mending. Erin will share stories and photographs from her mending makeovers, inspiring you to fall back in love with your old clothes and give them another life, and to see stains, holes and rips as opportunities for creative play. Her anticipated book Modern Mending will be available in the first half of 2020 drawing on her experiences as a professional mender and full of info and mending tips.

Website: www.erinlewisfitzgerald.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinlewisfitzgerald.inc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinlewisfitzgerald/

Ethical Fashion Festival Events

Ethical Fashion Festival Launch

Monday 9th November 2020
11.00am – 12.00pm

Andrea Hurley, Hattie and the Wolf

Online Launch Event

Launch for the Ballarat Ethical Fashion Festival will held online as we explore Hattie and the Wolf with owner Andrea Hurley.

Bookings are essential for  the Launch.

Entry into the Launch is FREE.

Book your tickets to the Launch here: Register – Hattie and The Wolf Launch

Monday 9th November 2020

7pm – 8.30pm

Meet The Mender with Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Free Online Workshop

Do you have clothes with stains, holes or rips and don’t know how to fix them? Professional mender Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald, author of the book Modern Mending and shopkeeper at modernmending.com, will be dishing out personalised mending advice to help you get started in this fun online event.

To get advice on your item of clothing, send a clear ‘before’ photo to info@gcwwrrg.vic.gov.au by COB Monday 2nd November 2020, and include a short written description that includes what the item’s made of (e.g. wool knit)(Photograph the tag) and how the damage occurred.

The most helpful ‘before’ photos:

  1. are in focus
  2. are shot in good light on a plain background
  3. have context so you can tell what the item is (e.g. a shirt) and where the damage is (on a seam or near a pocket)

If the item is dark, safety pins placed near the damage can help, or try inserting a piece of paper behind the hole or rip to make it more visible.

If you don’t have clothes that need mending (lucky you!), you’re welcome to watch and learn.

Register Here: Register – Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Tuesday 10 November 2020

11am – 1230pm

Free Online Workshop

Jane Milburn – Upcycling as a Way of Life 

Join Jane as she shows us:

  1. why we need to reuse and repurpose more for ourselves (facts and figures)
  2. the health and wellbeing benefits of making and upcycling
  3. mention of permaculture and the constant cycling of nutrients in natural systems
  4. some photos of upcycled garments and how-to explanations.
  5. demonstration on how to make t-shirt yarn

Never in history have clothing, accessories, homewares and furniture been so affordable, bringing a culture of disposability and cast-offs going prematurely to landfill. All that is changing with coronavirus disruption of global supply chains and renewed focus on local, natural, handmade and upcycled things that bring meaning to our lives. Upcycling and refashioning clothes is a way for us to be engaged in the making process and begin to appreciate the resources, skills and time that go into the clothes we buy. By learning to repair and restyle, we extend the life of our clothes as we reduce our material footprint. As a lifelong slow fashion practitioner, Slow Clothing author Jane Milburn upcycled her career in 2013 to set up Textile Beat and be at the vanguard of change. Through her love of natural fibres, patina and wabi-sabi style, Jane shares insights and ideas to inspire creative reuse of existing natural resources.

Register here: Register – Jane Milburn

Tuesday 10 November 2020

7pm – 830pm

RerunVideo Workshop (For those who missed out this morning)

Jane Milburn – Upcycling as a Way of Life 

Join Jane as she shows us:

  1. why we need to reuse and repurpose more for ourselves (facts and figures)
  2. the health and wellbeing benefits of making and upcycling
  3. mention of permaculture and the constant cycling of nutrients in natural systems
  4. some photos of upcycled garments and how-to explanations.
  5. demonstration on how to make t-shirt yarn

Never in history have clothing, accessories, homewares and furniture been so affordable, bringing a culture of disposability and cast-offs going prematurely to landfill. All that is changing with coronavirus disruption of global supply chains and renewed focus on local, natural, handmade and upcycled things that bring meaning to our lives. Upcycling and refashioning clothes is a way for us to be engaged in the making process and begin to appreciate the resources, skills and time that go into the clothes we buy. By learning to repair and restyle, we extend the life of our clothes as we reduce our material footprint. As a lifelong slow fashion practitioner, Slow Clothing author Jane Milburn upcycled her career in 2013 to set up Textile Beat and be at the vanguard of change. Through her love of natural fibres, patina and wabi-sabi style, Jane shares insights and ideas to inspire creative reuse of existing natural resources.

Register here: Rerun Workshop Video – Jane Milburn Rerun

Wednesday 11 November 2020

11am – 12.30pm

Free Online Workshop

Op Shop Style

Bianca Flint is a Professional Op Shopper and Sustainable Fashion Stylist. Her business The Wardrobe Green; buys and sells quality preloved clothing, whilst educating women to shop more Sustainably. Bianca runs Workshops and Op Shop Tours, and is a passionate Body Positive advocate, and coach.

Join to learn the techniques of op shop style dressing with Bianca.

Register Here: Register – Bianca Flint – The Wardrobe Green

Wednesday 11 November 2020

7.00pm – 8.30pm

Rerun Video Workshop (For those who missed out this morning)

Op Shop Style

Bianca Flint is a Professional Op Shopper and Sustainable Fashion Stylist. Her business The Wardrobe Green; buys and sells quality preloved clothing, whilst educating women to shop more Sustainably. Bianca runs Workshops and Op Shop Tours, and is a passionate Body Positive advocate, and coach.

Join to learn the techniques of op shop style dressing with Bianca.

Register Here: Rerun Workshop Video – Bianca Flint – The Wardrobe Green

Thursday 12 November 2020

11am – 12.30pm

You’ve Got A Sewing Machine – Now What with Bethany Alice

Free Online Workshop

Do you have a sewing machine but don’t know where to start?  Don’t stress, come and learn some easy tips and tricks to bring your machine to life so you can bring old threads back from the dead!

This workshop is a unique opportunity to receive some advice from a fashion designer on how to make the most of your sewing machines

Join Bethany as she shows off how to use your machine.

Register Here: Register – Bethany Alice – You’ve Got A Sewing Machine – Now What

Friday 13th November 2020

11am – 12.30pm

Sewing Techniques workshop with Bethany Alice

Free Online Workshop

Learn sewing techniques!

This workshop is a unique opportunity to receive some advice from a fashion designer on sewing techniques.

Join Bethany as she shows off various sewing techniques.

Register Here: Register – Bethany Alice – Sewing Techniques

Saturday 14th November 2020

11am – 12.30pm

Meet The Mender with Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Free Online Workshop

Do you have clothes with stains, holes or rips and don’t know how to fix them? Professional mender Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald, author of the book Modern Mending and shopkeeper at modernmending.com, will be dishing out personalised mending advice to help you get started in this fun online event.

To get advice on your item of clothing, send a clear ‘before’ photo to info@gcwwrrg.vic.gov.au by COB Monday 2nd November 2020, and include a short written description that includes what the item’s made of (e.g. wool knit)(Photograph the tag) and how the damage occurred.

The most helpful ‘before’ photos:

  1. are in focus
  2. are shot in good light on a plain background
  3. have context so you can tell what the item is (e.g. a shirt) and where the damage is (on a seam or near a pocket)

If the item is dark, safety pins placed near the damage can help, or try inserting a piece of paper behind the hole or rip to make it more visible.

If you don’t have clothes that need mending (lucky you!), you’re welcome to watch and learn.

Register Here: Rerun Workshop Video – Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald

Continuing our wonderful association with

Ilka White – Braided Rugs

Unfortunately due to Covid we are unable to have Ilka White present her wonderful Braided Rug classes this year, but alas, for those who wish to still attend a class Ilka is offering several classes online.

Learn to make fantastic rugs from old clothes or worn out household textiles using an inspiring off-loom, spiral-woven braiding technique.

Beautiful and unique floor coverings are possible using contrasting colours, or you can blend patterned rags for a ‘carpet of flowers’. This braiding technique weaves in as we go so there is no stitching up required afterward. Ilka shares a range of colour and design possibilities in this two part workshop.

Gather your own material to recycle and find out what riches can come from rags…

These sessions will be held online via Zoom. Participants will receive login details prior to the workshop.

Online Class in 2 Saturday sessions – Live on Zoom:

Session 1 – Saturday 7th Nov. 9.30am – 12.30pm (*AEST) – Introduction and braiding basics

Session 2 – Saturday 14th Nov. 9.30am – 12.30pm (*AEST) – Further design possibilities, tricky bits and rug finishing

*Note: AEST is Australian Eastern Standard Time. Compare to your zone time: HERE

COST OF 2 DAY CLASS: $105

 

Details and bookings here: BOOK HERE FOR ILKA WHITE

Thursday 12 November 2020

7pm- 8.30pm

You’ve Got A Sewing Machine – Now What with Bethany Alice

Rerun Video Workshop (For those who missed out this morning)

Do you have a sewing machine but don’t know where to start?  Don’t stress, come and learn some easy tips and tricks to bring your machine to life so you can bring old threads back from the dead!

This workshop is a unique opportunity to receive some advice from a fashion designer on how to make the most of your sewing machines

Join Bethany as she shows off how to use your machine.

Register Here: Rerun Workshop Video – Bethany Alice – You’ve Got A Sewing Machine – Now What

Friday 13th November 2020

7pm – 8.30pm

Sewing Techniques workshop with Bethany Alice

Rerun Video Workshop (For those who missed out this morning)

Learn sewing techniques!

This workshop is a unique opportunity to receive some advice from a fashion designer on sewing techniques.

Join Bethany as she shows off various sewing techniques.

Register Here: Rerun Workshop Video – Bethany Alice – Sewing Techniques

Sunday 15 November 2020

11am – 12.30pm

Slash & Add Workshop with Janette Wotherspoon

When you sort your wardrobe coming into the new season, don’t throw out those tired garments, check their quality, think about what it is that you don’t like anymore, Is it fit? Is it the look? or is it you are just simply bored with it.  Well now you can reinvent and change the styling, the design lines and the look by having the confidence and the know how to slash, cut, chop and Add.  It’s not hard and the results can be amazing, a new garment to wear again.  Ever had a favourite garment that you just love to wear but it has damaged beyond repair.  Don’t throw it out.  Reinvent it.  Cut it up, add a new design feature or a new section and wear it again.  You will have given yourself another season of wearing your favourite top, dress, skirt etc.

Register Here: Register: Janette Wotherspoon – Slash & Add

Sunday 15 November 2020

7.00pm – 8.30pm

Video Workshop Slash & Add Workshop with Janette Wotherspoon

Rerun Video Workshop (For those who missed out this morning)

When you sort your wardrobe coming into the new season, don’t throw out those tired garments, check their quality, think about what it is that you don’t like anymore, Is it fit? Is it the look? or is it you are just simply bored with it.  Well now you can reinvent and change the styling, the design lines and the look by having the confidence and the know how to slash, cut, chop and Add.  It’s not hard and the results can be amazing, a new garment to wear again.  Ever had a favourite garment that you just love to wear but it has damaged beyond repair.  Don’t throw it out.  Reinvent it.  Cut it up, add a new design feature or a new section and wear it again.  You will have given yourself another season of wearing your favourite top, dress, skirt etc.

Register Here: Rerun Workshop Video – Janette Wotherspoon – Slash & Add