Threading the Past: A Stitch in Time with Moygownagh Ramblers

Reviving the Art of Hand Sewing and Sustainable Traditions at Ballina’s ‘Living Heritage’ Exhibition

Moygownagh Ramblers were invited to volunteer as exhibitors at an events management class (MSLTB Ballina) titled "Living Heritage". This event was hosted in the town's Civic Offices; on Saturday afternoon, April 26th, between 2-5 pm. The objective was to showcase heritage objects from households: farm, local; commercial or personal collections, which the exhibitors felt were of public interest from days long gone by.

My table artistically set up (in my own eyes at least); displayed some of the paraphernalia and samples of the craft associated with hand sewing techniques used in homes across the country; skills that had been taught at primary and secondary school level, in what now seems a far distant past, as mothers and daughters laboured to "make do and mend".

Most things were salvaged: material, buttons, safety pins; sturdy cotton threads form packaging, all finding a use some time into the future, as parents tried to support growing families with limited spending power.

Out of necessity and the thrifty habits passed down from the previous generations, people were using the three R's, reduce reuse and recycle, long before the term became a global buzz word.

Sadly most of this trift and the sewing skill that accompanied it was lost in the early 1990s with the introduction of fast fashion: followed by micro seasons.

Traditionally: fashion houses released two major collections annually; spring/summer and autumn/winter.

Due to the advancement of social media: fashion influencers were thrust upon the world, thus, micro seasons became a thing; whereby new collections were available almost weekly.

This fast fashion culture has turned into one of the world's most wasteful and polluting industries.

Global trends leading on from those drifts in fashion, led consumers in the direction of disposable clothing (with made in China: Bangladesh, India; Vietnam or Indonesia, printed on labels) resulting in low cost prices for the consumer, creating high financial gains for manufacturers.

No consideration at all was sought nor given to the labourers employed in the garment industry: those who endure the relentless cycle of exploitation, toiling in unsafe conditions; working long and exhausting hours, enduring gender based harassment; wage theft and minimal pay, afraid to speak out in case they lost what little they had.

The trend towards circular fashion and more sustainable clothing, is thankfully making a comeback; quality over quantity, due in part to the realisation of the impacts of this form of industrialisation has on the environment, not to mention the loss of precious resources which creates landfill overload.

The term "upcycling" was coined by German engineer Reiner Pilz in 1994 (source AI overview).

This concept was seen as taking a product: such as a garment, adding embellishments or altering its style; so that the finished ensemble was of greater value than before its transformation, whereas, recycling diminished the value to less than it was previously. This is a misleading idea, as the item is still usable in its original form.

The invention of upcycling clothing in Ireland has gained in popularity over the past twenty years. Resulting from a greater awareness of environmental issues: it offers a way to reduce waste, embraces creativity, thus producing unique customised pieces for clientele and is cost effective; espically for those who are  talented enough to carry out their own alterations.

The winding down process of my "Hand Stitching in The Home" exhibition is now completed.  Miscellaneous items carefully packed away in my sewing box: the picture of the Eiffel Tower a nod to the forties and fifties fashion houses of Paris and Milan; prominently displayed on its lid.

Thank you to the following groups: (i.) the organisers and members of the public, for a very pleasant day and a new adventure for me. (ii.) Ann-Marie Kilgallon, coordinater, for her compliments and encouragement on the replication of my School Needlework Sample Book. (iii.) Ramblers, Theresa and Una, also my  friend, Dympna from Knockmore and her sister Finola, for visiting my table. Your presence was much appreciated.