Giving textiles a new life

By Djembe Archibald

Jun 14, 2023

A Fitting Connection team: Upcycle artist and instructor Simone Kottmann, upcycle artist and instructor Jodie Stephens and owner and director Katrina Naish. Photo by Contributed

How do you help stop six tonnes of textile waste going to landfill in Australia each year? Reuse or redesign it

This school holidays, the team from A Fitting Connection are hitting the road and visiting country towns to inspire the community to reuse and redesign textiles, with a series of upcycling workshops and clothing swaps that locals can participate in.

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A Fitting Connection founder Katrina Naish has worked in the fashion industry for more than 20 years.

In 2021she pivoted her business A Fitting Connection to focus on sustainability, after becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the fashion industry’s role as a major polluter.

“I never felt comfortable with the amount of waste being created when clothes are manufactured, and when they are discarded through the ever-faster cycle of fashion,” Mrs Naish said.

“In Australia, 23kg of textile waste is going to landfill for every person, every year.

“I find this absolutely shocking and have decided to use my industry knowledge to help change this.”

The purpose of these events is to engage and educate the communities about purposeful textile ownership and disposal, while also learning some sewing skills along the way.

“Our workshops and initiatives are designed to create awareness and start conversations,” Mrs Naish said.

“I’m particularly focused on getting our children and youth involved.

“They have a huge passion for environmental causes, and I want to give them the skills they need to bring about change.”

The company’s ‘Re-Fashioned Upcycling Workshops’ are one-off workshops that allow children to create their own fabric football, accessory or other item from offcuts and pre-loved garments.

These workshops have been particularly popular with libraries, who incorporate them into their holiday and after-school programs.