ENM currently has a membership of approximately 100 people registered with our Textile Reuse and Repurposing group.

The group regularly hold hui's for people to share what they are doing or planning, what they need and what they can offer, and to create an opportunity for connection, learning and participation.

What we do:

Whakawhanāungatanga: who is in the room, weaving connections and possibilities

World Cafe style groups formed around different ideas/projects offered by passionate people exploring potential for action, connection and collaboration.

What has emerged:

Participants liked the idea of a fabric and yarn op shop which also offers mending and upcycling workshops similar to the Ragfinery model, where a similar sized city as Palmerston North created a space for people to donate fabric and yarn for onselling and offer offer mending and upcycling workshops: Our Mission - ReUse Works — Ragfinery

This led to passionate conversations around the creation of a Textile Recovery Hub which would be interconnected to other existing activities as illustrated below:

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Textile Rescue hosting recycling clothing & connection activities - 15 June and 29 June

Hosted by Sonya of Textile Rescue, this group meets to remove the useful parts of non-usable clothing. 

What does this invitation offer:
- A connecting space with others who care about textiles going into landfill
- An opportunity to do recycling work: to take apart non-usable clothing and to separate out zips, buttons, drawstrings and items of value on clothing.
-When you participate in this recycling group, you can also bring your own non-usable clothing items
-Take home the resources you would like for your own upcycling and repair needs from what is taken apart

Textile Rescue then sees that the fabric remaining after the items of value are removed is recycled.

Dates and Times: 15 June and 29 June from 1-3pm

Venue for this group gathering: Environment Network Manawatū, 145 Cuba Street, Palmerston North (note 2 hours of free parking in the parking lot next to the China Town restaurant - the 12 parking spaces closest to ENM)

Please note: ENM is NOT a drop off point for clothing recycling. These events are for people interested in being part of a group activity that works on recycling clothing items.

For all queries, please contact Sonya directly via: 
Email: sonya@textilerescue.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Textile-Rescue/61579364287695/

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Ideas and resources from our members

Remakery in Lower Hutt: a fun fabric and sewing supplies market where you can shop for vintage and modern sewing and upholstery fabric, patterns, haberdashery and more. It brings the sewing community together to share stashes, stories, and delight in our mutual love of textiles. All profits to local hospice Sew Good Collective — Common Unity

Fabric-a-brac offer a fun fabric and sewing supplies market where you can shop for vintage and modern sewing and upholstery fabric, patterns, haberdashery and more. It brings the sewing community together to share stashes, stories, and delight in our mutual love of textiles. All profits to local hospice Palmerston North – Fabric-a-brac

Red Cross Curtain bank on Main Street Palmerston North donate curtains Get warm curtains | New Zealand Red Cross

Ngā Ringa Maha Collective: make blankets, quilts, clothes, pyjamas from donated or second-hand materials Nga Ringa Maha Collective | Facebook

Upcycled Refashion Rebels: Upcycled Sewing Rebels who offer online peer support from fellow crafters, creative inspiration, and freelance/side hustle development.