It’s an idea that was born from an excess of fabric and a commitment to sustainability.
When a pair of local ladies offered their now-unwanted sewing machines, Wallsend Upcycling became a plan to save landfill by stitching together.
Breathing new life into damaged clothes and linen, the team at Wallsend’s St Luke’s Op Shop has been faithfully saving donations from landfill ever since.
The talented group has been transforming second hand clothes and linen into new products including handbags, pet beds, and scrunchies.
Their actions are in keeping with The Fifth Mark of Mission in the Anglican Church: To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
“At Wallsend Upcycling our vision is to play our part by reducing textile waste that goes to landfill,” says group coordinator Sarah Scott.
“All our products are unique as we are using second hand material from our op shop.
“We wash all our materials but, with the environment in mind, we use a quick wash and a full day drying in the sun.
“We work in a room within the op shop and, as soon as our products are made, they go back out to the shop for sale.”
The process has been an eye-opener for Claire.
The regular volunteer assists with unpicking zips and taking off buttons.
“I didn’t realise how much waste material there is, and I like the opportunity to help reuse it,” she says.
Sally, a sewing member of the team, says she enjoys coming to upcycling for the camaraderie and sharing sustainable ideas with like-minded people.
“I love finding ways to use different scrap fabric to save it from landfill,” she says.
One of the first items the group created was a denim handbag made from a pair of jeans.
“One of the legs is used to make the strap and the lining is often made from a shirt or dress,” explains Sarah.
“There is plenty of denim left over and this has been put to use making pouffes and door stops.
“Scraps of denim can even be used to make feather bookmarks, and coloured denim gives us opportunities for more colour combinations.”
Table mats using t-shirts, pet beds made using a sweatshirt and filled with textile waste, book pouches, glasses cases, scrunchies and flowers are among their list of upcycled goods.
Bunting is also made using a variety of fabrics and comes complete with its own small storage bag.
All products are available for sale during op shop hours: Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 2pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm.
For specific requests, call the church office on a Thursday.
