Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

.

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...

Understanding Trade Insurance: Essential Protection for Businesses

Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik In the current economic environment, trade insurance is an important element for companies trading both locally an...

Choosing the Right Timber for External Cladding

Timber cladding is one of those finishes that pulls double duty: it makes a building look warm and welcoming, and it quietly shields the frame from ...

Top Services Offered by Diesel Mechanics in Brisbane

Keeping a diesel vehicle running at its best takes more than the occasional oil change. When you invest in regular specialist care, you protect the ...

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional House Removalists

Moving day should feel like the start of a new adventure, not the end of your patience. Yet once the settlement papers are signed and the champagne ...

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Managed IT Solutions and IT Services in Townsville

As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, companies must adapt to embrace the transformation ahead. With an evolving technology landscape, mana...

Types of Catering You Should Consider for Your Next Event

Choosing the right type of catering service can elevate your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate func...

Visible mending: punk's not dead, just patching itself up

  • Written by Emily Brayshaw, Lecturer, Fashion and Design History, Theory, and Thinking, University of Technology Sydney

Visible mending is a quiet, global protest movement that’s happening at a grass-roots level, challenging the way we consume clothing. “We don’t need to throw our clothes away, and we’re wearing our mends as a badge of honour,” says Jane Milburn, a visible mender and author .

Many of us may donate our used clothes when we’ve finished with them, but the reality is that Australia doesn’t have the capacity to recycle all its old clothing, which generates millions of tonnes of waste annually. Many of our clothes are made of fabrics dyed with toxic chemicals and blended with synthetic polymer fibres, meaning they poison our planet at every stage in their life cycle. Says Milburn:

Mending and repurposing clothes is also a wonderful way to extend the life of garments that hold special emotional connections for us. You get moth [holes], you get rips, and instead of just throwing them away I mend them, which makes them individual. They are statements of resourcefulness, care and sustainability.

Visible mending: punk's not dead, just patching itself up Vivienne Westwood in 2017. Jens Kalaene/DPA

Historically, visible mending was a sign of poverty – if you had to patch and repair your clothing, then you couldn’t afford to buy new garments or fabrics. But since the mid-1970s, many have embraced the aesthetic of distressed clothing, firstly via the punk styles created by Vivienne Westwood and later via grunge in the 1990s – helped by industrial techniques for stonewashing denim.

In the punk and grunge movements, ripped threads were loud sartorial protests against society and a lack of opportunities for young people. Today, buying cheap new clothes that are ripped, stained and have frayed seams is commonplace among younger consumers of fashion.

Read more: For a true war on waste, the fashion industry must spend more on research

The visible mending movement is also a response to distressed fast fashion. “Do it yourself, but don’t buy stuff that’s already ripped,” says Milburn. She describes the trend of buying new, distressed clothing as, “an obscene statement of our abundance and excess”.

Part of the attraction of visible mending is that Sashiko, a form of Japanese folk embroidery that is the main technique used by the movement, is simple to learn, says Melbourne-based visible mender Gaye Naismith.

Sashiko embroidery uses running stitch, which is the universal stitch: you can find it in every culture and anyone can do it. It uses Sashiko embroidery thread, which is not stranded like English embroidery thread; rather it’s a bit more like butcher’s string but a little thicker.

The thread, she says, was traditionally indigo and cream but now comes in lots of colours. “It’s rough and ready, but you can make something really pretty from it.”

Visible mending: punk's not dead, just patching itself up An exmaple of Sashiko embroidery. Gaye Naismith

Visible mending also aims to reconnect people with vanishing life skills that were once ubiquitous. Darning, for instance, was once considered a vital skill to keep knitted and woven clothing wearable and stop further damage. It consists of anchoring yarn in the fabric on the edge of the hole, carrying it across the gap and then anchoring it on the other side, usually with a running stitch or two, until threads criss-cross the hole.

Darning holes in a garment with thread in contrasting shades can create beautiful patterns and pops of colour, especially in cardigans and socks. Visible menders such as Naismith hold workshops for people to re-learn and refine techniques such as this.

Visible mending: punk's not dead, just patching itself up Darning can create patterns in its own right. Gaye Naismith

Patching your clothes with meaningful textiles also allows you to wear your memories, says Naismith, who runs visible mending parties where people bring their sewing projects, and share cake and ideas. The groups can also help to combat loneliness and be a form of self-care. “Most people find it very relaxing and satisfying because sewing by hand forces you to slow things down,” says Naismith.

The visible mending community is thriving online, with local social networking groups such as “Friends of the Up-Cycled Cloth Collective, Australia and New Zealand” and international ones such as “A Mend and Made Do Life”, which has more than 14,800 members.

Visible mending: punk's not dead, just patching itself up A visible mending party. Gaye Naismith

There are countless Pinterest, Instagram and visible mending blogs that can provide aesthetic inspiration for your projects, and more than a thousand tutorials online that demonstrate repairing techniques.

At the conclusion of her 2013 London fashion show Westwood, the grand doyenne of punk, made an impassioned plea to consumers to protest the excesses of her industry: “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last.”

Her call has inspired visible menders, who are once again placing our clothing at the centre of a protest movement. Visible mending, says Naismith, is “a bit punk”. “People are doing it as a reaction to the whole fashion industry’s excesses of production.” Forty years later, it seems that punk’s not dead; it’s just patching itself up.

Authors: Emily Brayshaw, Lecturer, Fashion and Design History, Theory, and Thinking, University of Technology Sydney

Read more http://theconversation.com/visible-mending-punks-not-dead-just-patching-itself-up-91226

Holidays & Travel

Why Personalised Ornaments Make the Perfect Christmas Gift

In a season brimming with sentiment and tradition, gift-giving is one of the most cherished ways to show we care. And while store-bought items can be thoughtful, there’s something especially...

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and more...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to unlocking smoother acceleration and enhanced vehicle performance? Exhaust...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy of watching the...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diverse landscapes, these countries offer incredible opportunities for sailors...

A Guide to Finding Caravans for Sale for Your Australian Road Trip

From the rugged Outback to stunning coastal drives, there's no better way to explore Australia than in a home on wheels. If you're considering joining the caravan community, you're likely...

Must-Have Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip

 Introduction Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure but not sure what gear makes the cut? Selecting quality equipment optimized for the conditions helps ensure fun and safety during backcountry trips...

5 Innovative Caravan Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Caravanning offers a unique and liberating way to explore the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, having the right accessories can significantly...

Conventional Tent or Roof Top Tent? Which Is Better for Camping in Australia?

For camping in Australia, it depends on factors like terrain and climate. A roof top tent is sturdy in rugged areas and elevates you above ground risks. In flat places like parks...

Fashion & Beauty

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you prefer bold patterns, minimalist details or soft...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sustainability and unique haircare philosophy sets Davines apart...

High Visibility Work Shirts: A Must-Have for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a necessity. Workers from construction sites to manufacturing units should be visible for their well-being and they have it by wearing high visibility work shirts. Yes, when...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal gatherings and more. These are...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attention and doing the deal becomes easy. The...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They are doing excellent there. So, the Australian...