Great idea FBH. Such an important project. What are three things we can help you with?

Looking forward to seeing your MDP create impact.  

Thank you!

I'm currently researching the different kinds of visible mending and other ways we can combat throwaway culture and the impacts of fast fashion. Any sources that would be particularly helpful for my research would be great. 

I will also be completing a survey of people who mend or alter their clothing and would like to interview some individuals who are into sustainable fashion and mending, so if anyone has any contacts or would be interested in being interviewed/surveyed themselves please let me know!

Good afternoon, FBH. Ok, great, this helps us understand what you need,

A great connection is STSC Sustainable Textile Supply Chain. 

STSC (Sustainable Textile Supply Chain) develops and wholesales textiles in relation to the parent company Circle Centre. 

Also check out CIRCULAR CENTRE  https://ausfashioncouncil.com/directory-listing/circular-centre-stsc-sustainable-textile-supply-chain/  These guys are serious about Fashion waste. 

Some other interesting areas include,  CircStretch; a bio-stretch knit using the world's first Cradle to Cradle Gold certified stretch yarn, plus with the Hohenstein Institute certification showing its causes zero toxic plastic pollution as it breaks down and is home compostable. ​STSC provides additional coloration services including Natural Plant Dyeing, Waterless Eco Digital Printing, AZO-Free Pantone Match Dyes and Pure Plant Based Dyeing with Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants and Herbs. 

They are not directly linked to repairing textiles clothing items but would a great group to talk to about your project and interests. 

Hope this helps. 

I think this is a great idea. IT would good to ensure that the packaging that you select is also recyclable. There is a lot happening in the textile space at the moment with some textiles being recycled https://texrecaus.com/

You could also link to the Upparel project https://upparel.com.au/

Hey FBH,

This is an excellent idea with great potential. I agree that throwaway culture has become increasingly prominent in today's society. I feel that to get people to undertake sustainable clothing practices then they must have their perspectives changed. It is likely that many people will not have any experience with mending their clothes so it would be important to include detailed instructions with illustrations and helpful tips. Additionally, to make the kit as user-friendly as possible the addition of included intuitive tools, online tutorials, and technical support will likely help. Ideally making the kit easy to use and understand may incentivise more people to engage and practice sustainable clothing practices.

Hi NJ Kelton!

Thank you so much for your response

I was looking into your packaging sources, but unfortunately, as I have had to change paths, I won't be able to integrate this into my project. 

However, your link to the Upparel project was very helpful. I have done some stuff with them before but completely forgot until you reminded me!

Thank you so much, Chelsea!

I appreciate your support :)

Thank you, Belinda! 

I am currently looking into Common Objective, and this was a very helpful article of theirs. 

Hi @JordanVDB

It's like you predicted the change in my design before I posted it!

I have changed to a website to make it easier for me to produce (producing the kit on my own took several hours each time and thus could not be sold at an accessible price). 

Your tips on making it easy to access were very helpful, especially on technical support as I had not considered that.

Another thing I am considering that I would love your feedback on is adding a social/community-based element to my guide design. Think like a local, friends-only version of an Instagram feed, where individuals can upload before and after photos of their mends. I think that this would help to bring back a bit of the social element that has been lost from shopping as it has become more online. Do you have any thoughts??

Thanks again!

Good evening FBH.

Great update on your image. Your project is looking great. 

Sending out a little UpRising news update. 

Congratulations FBH you are nearly there.

If you could update the image on your Post to show a little collage of your projects development that would be fantastic. We will be awarding the top three UpRising design projects for 2024 and the UpRising alliance and community love to see the journey of your design.

There is a little feedback survey, if you could fill it in that would fantastic as it really helps us to understand how we can better help next years design students.

https://forms.gle/XLgNBqQepAw2Go5q7

It also has an option for you to select if you would like to continue to be involved in UpRising next year and beyond. Lots of interesting ways to continue to build connections within the design industry. Great for your resume and career paths.

Wishing you all the best with your trials and finishing touches on your MDP.

Shout out if we can help in any way.

Fantastic work FBH. Your project is looking fantastic. 

Great to see the latest update. There are so many big opportunities coming for designers in this field as the Australian Govt gears up for a circular economy. 

Let us know if you would like to deepen your connections to this emerging industry.