16 October 2024
Dutch fashion in the spotlight: Dutch Design Week 2024
- COSH! Member Publicity
- Lifestyle
Did you know that in Europe, 7.5 million tonnes of textile waste are generated each year? Our relationship with clothing is suffering – in a world flooded with cheap fashion, garments have often become disposable items. The constant changes in fashion trends and relentless overproduction drive overconsumption, leading to a lack of appreciation for our clothes.
It’s time to rethink and give textiles back their value. If we don’t change our consumption habits, by 2030, an average of 20 kilograms of textile waste could be generated per person each year.
Now is the time to approach fashion more consciously and explore more sustainable alternatives! Are you ready to transform your old or damaged clothes into something new and distinctively unique?
The beauty in the detail: discover the world of “visible mending”
Visible mending means highlighting rather than hiding. Instead of concealing holes or worn spots, we celebrate them, transforming them into unique pieces of art. Handmade stitches with needle and thread, bold patches, and vibrant colours turn your clothing into something truly special.
Repair your clothes and wear them with pride!
It’s not just a revival of old techniques – visible mending is part of a fresh, modern movement that combines self-expression with greater sustainability. By mending, you’re not only saving your favourite pieces from the landfill, but also giving them a new, personal touch.
Got a rip in your jeans? Reinforce it with a colourful patch or a contrasting stitch. Does your wool jacket have a small moth hole? With a wool yarn of your choice and a few stitches, you can mend it and let your creativity shine. The Japanese stitching technique Sashiko offers many traditional patterns that can be hand-stitched onto textiles, creating a truly impressive look.
Every stitch is a chance to breathe new life into the things you already own. So, why not give visible mending a try? Let’s change the narrative around worn-out clothing – throwing away is yesterday’s mindset. Discover the art of repair and wear your textiles with pride!
There are many ways to get involved – from proper care and repair techniques to upcycling. Numerous creative artists and initiatives offer inspiring courses and services to help you extend the lifespan of your favourite items. Explore fantastic opportunities in your area and become part of this movement!
De Steek
Your sewing café for creative ideas in Amsterdam
De Steek is located in West Amsterdam, in the Staatsliedenbuurt neighbourhood, and it’s the perfect place to get creative. This sewing café and shop offers sewing classes and workshops along with a wide selection of materials. You’ll find unique fabrics, countless patterns, and carefully selected notions that largely avoid the use of plastic. For your next sewing project, De Steek provides elastic bands made from natural rubber, thread made from organic cotton and recycled polyester, as well as natural fabrics – with the exception of recycled polyester.
Bring your clothes with small flaws to the sewing café and give them a second life while enjoying the shared experience of mending together!
Studio Koekoek
Discover the extensive selection of more sustainable craft materials
Attention, DIY enthusiasts: you already know what textile project you want to tackle next, but are you missing the right materials? Head over to Studio Koekoek in Amsterdam! Here, you’ll find a wide selection of eco-friendlier crafting materials and DIY tools for weaving, knitting, and sewing. Begin your creative adventure and make your project even more sustainable with high-quality repair patches, eco-certified embroidery threads, and darning kits.
At Studio Koekoek or on our COSH! events page, you can discover the latest workshops – whether you’re into embroidery, punch needle, or Smyrna rug-making, there’s something for every craft lover.
Tailors of Amsterdam
Passionate tailoring in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam
For those who want to entrust their beloved garments to safe hands while supporting local tailoring craftsmanship, Tailors of Amsterdam in the Jordaan district is the perfect place. Here, experienced tailors take care of your clothing with care and passion! Atilla Kiliç, with extensive expertise in Italian suit fashion and traditional Turkish clothing, works alongside his sons in the back of the shop to repair and alter your garments. Stop throwing things away – bring your favourite pieces to Tailors of Amsterdam and let them shine anew!
De Naaierij
Discover the creative sewing studio in The Hague
Are you interested in learning visible mending? Then join one of the workshops at De Naaierij! In these creative classes, you’ll discover how to repair your own clothes while countering overconsumption – all in a more sustainable way and with plenty of joy! The friendly team is happy to help and will guide you in reviving your favourite pieces.
Did you know that De Naaierij even offers a selection of vintage clothing, second-hand sewing machines, notions, and fabrics? Every two months, you can also participate in their clothing swap. So, grab your hidden treasures and drop by De Naaierij in The Hague!
Vincente
Visit Vincente’s cozy darning workshop or sock course
The Berlin-based knitwear label Vincente regularly offers workshops where you can learn visible mending at their Kreuzberg studio. Using simple techniques, you’ll make your damaged clothing wearable again, reducing textile waste in a creative way. Recently, they hosted a darning class where participants brought in their torn socks, sweaters, and scarves to learn a technique for visible repair with yarn.
Would you like to join next time? You can find all the latest details on upcoming events at Vincente or on the COSH! events page.
Garment
Create wearable works of art using the sashiko technique or give your wool products a new lease of life
Have you heard of the Sashiko technique? In the workshop at Garment in Amsterdam-Oost, Natasja will teach you how to transform your old denim into a true work of art using traditional Japanese embroidery techniques. Bring new life to your favourite jeans while adding stylish accents.
In the Woolfiller workshop, you’ll learn how to use Woolfiller not only to repair holes in your wool clothing but also to cleverly cover stains. It’s perfect for all your favourite pieces that could use a little love!
Circuit
More sustainable workshops and courses at the Circuit in Antwerp!
Circuit regularly offers free courses where you can have your textiles mended or participate in visible mending workshops to learn how to repair your clothing creatively yourself. Next door, at the Repair Café by REantwerp, you’ll find the perfect place to practise your skills and meet new people who are also committed to greater sustainability. Stay updated on upcoming events at Circuit or on the COSH! events page, so you won’t miss any exciting workshops!
Andrea Bos
Appreciation through upcycling
In a world dominated by fast fashion and excessive consumption, upcycling offers an inspiring alternative. Antwerp-based designer Andrea Bos demonstrates how discarded materials can gain new life through resource-saving approaches, actively contributing to combating the throwaway culture. Her upcycled pieces are known for their distinctive patchwork look, making each item truly one-of-a-kind. Did you know that Andrea Bos can also enhance your favourite garments with creative repairs and visible mending techniques? This way, every piece gains a new character, and together with Andrea, you’ll make a bold statement for a more sustainable approach to textiles.
Studio WOUW
Innovative dyeing art with Studio WOUW
Studio WOUW is an innovative plant-dye studio from Ghent, bringing colour to the fashion world with its natural dye baths and workshops. In these workshops, Studio WOUW shows you how to enhance your clothing with dye baths – completely chemical-free. Instead of needle and thread, you’ll work with locally sourced and self-grown plants to creatively cover small stains on textiles, giving them a renewed charm. Studio WOUW combines traditional craftsmanship with modern environmental awareness and invites you to experience the art of plant dyeing firsthand.
It’s time to give textiles the recognition they deserve
Let’s work together to ensure our clothing lives longer! Instead of neglecting or throwing away old favourites, we can learn to appreciate and care for our textiles properly. There are countless creative ways to get involved, whether it’s taking action yourself or using the courses and services offered by amazing artists and initiatives.
Explore the COSH! events page to find exciting events, interactive workshops, and insightful talks that will inspire and inform you.
Source: https://www.mckinsey.com/de/news/presse/2022 – 07-14 – textile-recycling
