MEND AND REMAKE EVENT

Transition Bondi held our first ‘slow fashion’ practical event called Mend and Remake, on 22 March 2023. This was in response to the many things we’ve heard about the issues of textile waste through films, speakers and podcasts. We accepted the invitation by Kara Otto, local fashion designer and vintage queen, to get together with our own garments that needed mending or revamping, to stitch in company, with some input or guidance from her. The aim being, to foster habits and taste in keeping our garments well looked after, and avoiding adding to the fashion-waste problem.

It was a small group in number – just the right size for a living room – with one sewing machine, some precious heirloom sewing items and equipment (a hand-made felt needle pad, and a wooden darning egg), and our special garments that were needing to be restored.

There’s a lot of pleasure to be had from giving a lift to a beloved, baggy jacket, or making those high quality Kathmandu shorts wearable again once the waist elastic has overstretched. Skill and inventiveness mixed with a creative eye were what Kara was able to bring. We left elevated and excited about the next opportunity. Transition Bondi aims to run these events every month.

A high point in the evening (5-6.30pm) was stories about family members from previous generations (grandparents, aunts) who were outstanding in their needlework. A sample was shown of a needle ‘book’ that had messages delicately embroidered on each ‘page’, with a padded, soft silk cover with tiny hand-made roses on it. The maker of this gorgeous sewing aid – Kara’s grandmother – was a key influence on Kara, in getting her to the point now of co-owning Karameleon, a fashion business.

Come along with your darning, torn shorts and problem garments, and learn how to extend the life of clothes that you love.

Kit Shepherd
Transition Bondi