November 3, 2025
No Sewing Skills Required: Why I Loved the Sustainable Textiles Symposium by Hannah Surtees
I’ll be honest, I can’t sew to save my life. I love clothes and vintage fashion but sewing machines I find terrifying! So, I really wasn’t sure how I’d go at the Sustainable Textiles Symposium on 18 October.
Turns out, I loved it.
Hosted by the brilliant Julie Paterson of CLOTH, the day at Tibbi Whalan Hall brought together around 40 early adopters and curious creatives for an open, energising conversation about what sustainability in fashion and textiles can really mean. The panel was outstanding! From Vincent’s “built-to-last” YOKU belt design to Rob’s commitment to making locally, Daisy’s inspiring use of materials, and Jane’s creative approach to reimagining our wardrobes, the conversations were inspiring, practical, and full of heart.
Meanwhile, at the other end of Civic arcade, the sweat-shop-crew were busy making MTNS MADE T-shirts from scratch, using a role of cotton and a pattern sourced from Minerva’s Bower, sewing, and screen printing on-site. The hum of creativity was contagious!
By the end of the day, my eyes were opened and my curiosity sparked. What an amazing community we have here in the Blue Mountains. I can’t wait to see where this sustainable textiles journey goes next. A huge thank you to Kevina-Jo Smith for bringing together such an inspiring group of people, and to everyone who attended. Even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine before, you’d have found something to love at this event.
Event documentation: Matt Jackson, Videographer and Reece McMillan, Photographer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF NGURRA
The City of the Blue Mountains is located within the Ngurra (Country) of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples. MTNS MADE recognises that Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners have a continuous and deep connection to their Country and that this is of great cultural significance to Aboriginal people, both locally and in the region. For Dharug and Gundungurra People, Ngurra takes in everything within the physical, cultural and spiritual landscape – landforms, waters, air, trees, rocks, plants, animals, foods, medicines, minerals, stories and special places. It includes cultural practice, kinship, knowledge, songs, stories and art, as well as spiritual beings, and people: past, present and future. Blue Mountains City Council pays respect to Elders past and present while recognising the strength, capacity and resilience of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Blue Mountains region.
MTNS MADE is proudly delivered by Blue Mountains City Council