This month at the Bergen central library, we had a fun workshop on redesigning clothes you already own but are out of style, or don't fit, or just don't match your personality. We could also use tablecloths or old jeans or any material that was previously loved. They even had a bunch of clothes that we could take to redesign. They set out sewing machines and supplies. They had a few experts to inspire us, help everyone learn how to sew, or in my case, figure out how to make a too-big dress smaller.
Then, today at the end of the event, we had a grand finale!
Before I show you the catwalk, let me introduce the topics (besides the clothes redesigning). Ingrid Bergtun told us a LOT about the movement we are all part of - helping the environment. Ingrid and friends have started a shop in Oslo where they sell what you need to redesign clothes: Fæbrik. That's pronounced "fabric". They sell books, patterns, fabric, sewing machines, and happiness. Ingrid talked about natural fibers, partly natural fibers, and entirely man-made ones. We passed around the fibers.
We also heard about the Transparency Act about openness from companies that are resident in Norway. They have to reply to requests for information about their respect for basic human rights and decent working conditions within three weeks. Power to the people!
Now, it´s our turn! My dress was black and too large, originally. I learned how to make it fit from our expert redesigner. I had a scarf in my closet that was beautiful - and big enough to go around my waist. But what can I do about a buckle? The library has a laser cutter right in the same area as the sewing machines, so I designed and cut a buckle to fit. After wrapping it with the dress' old cloth belt to cover the wood, I assembled the belt. Nice! But, there's a small length of scarf left. I inserted it into the sleeves to flair them out. Here is my catwalk:
There was even a red carpet - a little slippery, but what's a catwalk without a red carpet?
The mini-master was a girl who went home with a beginner sewing machine. The adult master was a young man who got a nice Bernina machine.
Thank you to the library team, and especially to Ingrid Stensnes. She organized this event, and every Thursday afternoon, she is the main host for the sewing section of the library's makerspace.
Superstar!! JML
ReplyDelete