Redress x Global Goals

UpcyclING clothes

This project took place at Sha Tin Jr. School in January 2024. It was a 6-week project. I started by teaching all of the Year 4 students how to embroider using a wooden turtle and yarn. I had previously made the turtles using the laser cutter in my studio. With this, they mastered a simple running stitch and back-stitch, plus they learned how to tie a knot and thread a needle with yarn.

Next, we used the fabrics that I collected from REDRESS - old clothes that were not able to continue in their cycle of life. We cut the fabrics up into 150 pieces for each of the students to have their own to work with. Importantly, the fabrics needed to be 100% cotton so they would absorb fabric dye. Each student learned how to manipulate and bind the fabric to achieve various tie-dye patterns. We then dyed the fabrics, with each of the 5 classes having a different color dye bucket to soak their pre-prepared fabrics in.

The children then drew a picture of an under-the-sea creature, fitting our theme of The Global Goals "under the sea" program. They first sketched their sea creature on paper and then transferred the design onto their previously dyed fabric. They showcased their embroidery skills by stitching over their sea creature with colorful yarns. I then made a patchwork collage combining all of their designs to create one bigger sea creature, which was stitched onto a recycled net from Cheung Chau Island. We also made some appliqué letters to spell out "Please keep our sea plastic-free".

This project not only taught important textile skills, but also encouraged the students to think about sustainability, recycling, and how they can contribute to the Global Goals through creative, hands-on projects. It was wonderful to see the students' enthusiasm and teamwork shine throughout the process.

The completed artwork was a wonderful collaboration with the school, allowing the students to explore textile techniques, sustainability, and environmental awareness. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the students and seeing their creativity come to life through this engaging and meaningful project.

To see the other part of the project, a Global Goals rope mural that we made on the school fence outside, click below:
HKWALLS x Global Goals "Under the Sea"

I also conducted an after school workshop for the teachers to learn how to basket weave with strips of fabric from recycled clothes.