Hi-Cycled

Last Garment to Pattern class + Learning the basics of Darts!

Last night was our final Garment to Pattern class.

We started by learning all about darts. Not the kind you play at pubs, but the ones to give shape to garments.

Did I mention last week was all about sleeves, and dare I say it made me very nervous as it resembled way too much maths and geometry class!

We then had a chance to start cutting our Pattern and sewing our test Garment, which we would adjust if necessary. I didn't get far at sewing mine, as I was paying extra attention to cutting the thick wool as accurately as I could. I did get the front darts done, and discussed with my teacher steps to create the front facing and...my first ever lining!

I'm looking forward finishing this, so I can start the whole process on the detachable asymmetrical skirt! It will be a 'daytime/night-time' ready Garment and super duper warm. Ready for our chilly NZ festival nights.

The Tea Towel dress is starting to take shape!

Tonight was the last sewing class of term 3, I knew I wouldn't have enough time to complete the dress. I used my time wisely doing the two more difficult parts, adding my first proper pockets, and gathering the skirt. The back is looking great!

Next, I will add the front with the main tea towel and sleeves, then finishing it off. I may even attempt to do it on my own 💚

Life is Fleeting - Found in Nature Series

​Half Dead or Half Alive?

​This piece explores the classic "glass half full or half empty" paradox through a quiet, poignant moment captured within a mental health ward. At first glance, the photograph contrasts the sterile, muted surrounding environment—a space often associated with a perceived lack of vitality—with the bright, vibrant yellow of fading daffodils.

​Central to the work is an intentional act of resourcefulness and care: two paper cups joined together, taped securely to form a makeshift vase. This modest effort speaks volumes about human resilience and the desire to nurture life, beauty, and hope, even in spaces designed around clinical routine.

​While the yellow blooms show the inevitable passage of time—wilting slightly at the edges—their presence remains bold and luminous. Are we bearing witness to fading life, or are we honoring the deliberate decision to sustain it for a little longer?

The artwork leaves that balance to the viewer, serving as a reminder that even transient moments of beauty and care carry profound meaning.

Am I Invisible? Found in Nature Series (2026)

​I live, express, and move through the world in full color. Yet, in certain spaces and around certain people, an unseen force pulls the vividness right out of the frame—rendering me blurry, black and white, and strikingly invisible.

​Am I Invisible? stems from deep vulnerability, navigating mental health, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and the constant search for authentic belonging. It lays bare the paradox of holding an undeniable, vibrant identity while fighting the erosion of being unseen. Being present isn't always passive; sometimes, remaining visible demands every drop of willpower you have.

Nearly ready to start sewing my Flox Joy Mini Tea Towel Dress!

Tonight during sewingclass I was very determined and managed to concentrate and focus enough to finish planning, cutting and overlocking all my pattern pieces!

Doctor's Orders:

I have been recovering from another concussion 😅

The first 4 weeks were just...can't remember lol I guess fully on recovery mode.

I'm finally accessing some supports and been reassured things will get better, just a matter of time and patience.

Small steps, here and there.

I was asked to finally attempt to get back to some sewing projects, and start small...so I can build up my abilities and threshold.

Upcycling and mending are great ways to get back into sewing.

I choose this gorgeous green dress purchased from an opshop. I couldn't resist it as I love the fabric and color so much 💚, even though it was one size too big.

I've shorten the straps, and it was enough of an adjustment. I've hand-stitched some bling on the shoulders on top of where I shorten the straps, over the shoulders.

The bling was originally on a gorgeous cashmere cardigan I've had for years from Brazil, but sadly had moth holes in it. Don't worry, I'm using whatever I can of the cashmere, you know me! Probably wrist warmers!

This beautiful hat was called 'mint' but it wasn't green enough for the Green Lady of Kirikiriroa (aka me!).

I used the same paint used on my boots and classic Reebok's.

Green enough now 💚

Added a bit more to the boots 💚💚💚