In July we started a new collaboration with the wonderful work of the South Dunedin Pūtoi Rito Communities of Readers with their Read, Share, Grow project. 

We are thrilled to have engagement with students and their innovation and energy towards our mission to inspire and build community through creative practices, while reducing textile waste and its impact on our environment.

But what to do with all the 'impossibly small' off-cuts? (Some only 3x6cm. Many of them odd shapes and sizes.) The knit material doesn't lend itself to the traditional scrap buster of patchwork...or does it!?

Each year, Dunedin sends 4 THOUSAND TONNES of textile waste to the Green Island landfill! These textiles make up 5% of the total waste, and 8% of the carbon emission produced by the landfill.

With awareness growing about the need for us to re-think how we produce and manage waste, and reduce our carbon emissions to slow global warming, we have created a project that takes these heavy issues, and makes them... a little lighter!

The aim of the project is to collect as many blocks as possible that will represent the number of community views on inequality. The Quilt Project enables people to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and imaginations collaboratively. It sustains the engagement with textile processes that address the gender disparity issues women and gender diverse people around the world and gender diverse people around the world are facing.

This year we have started a new project to brighten the lives of those who need the help of the Women’s refuge.

We have begun changing the covers on the cushions to add colour and creativity, suitable to the purposes of each room, starting with the Tamariki room.

It was brilliant seeing the enthusiasm of young people for upcycling and their delight in completing their unique elephants.