From Here to Wear: Reviving Textiles [Summer 2023]

Reviving Textiles intends to promote a repair and reuse culture with our clothing. Learn about the impacts of “textile waste”, while enjoying the process of mending that encourages more purposeful creative practices that focus on different methods and techniques to transform textiles. No sewing and crafting skills required as there can be a separate approach for each participant that can be adjusted based on their level of experience.

This event creates a circular closed loop system for clothing that people no longer want, while promoting a reuse and “waste not, want not” mentality. It’s a fun alternative to shopping and an engaging way to upgrade your wardrobe — a conscious practice on how to be more intentional with the clothes you wear.

Bring your own clothes that you want to mend, rework and / or take anything from the “mendables” section, they're pieces that are slightly damaged and imperfect that are ready for their second life!

There'll still be an opportunity to swap clothing which will be a separate section on the patio (unlike at previous events where it was all indoors), the main highlight inside the Clubhouse will now be the Textile Library Lab — a mending station with a collection of salvaged materials where participants can use sewing machines and available supplies to repair / alter their clothing, including an opportunity to learn basic sewing skills for simple fixes (ex. how to sew a button, fix a ripped seam, do patchwork, etc) and receive guidance or ask any questions.

Please wash and dry all clothes beforehand. You’re welcome to bring up to a maximum of 10 clothing items — but note that there’s a quality check to determine if your items will be for swapping (Is it still in good condition? Would you pay for it? Give it to a friend? If you answered yes to all, then it’ll be perfect for the swap!), repairing or *reusing.

*There are specific items we can longer accept, so please email Norwin at [email protected] before the event about what you'd like to drop off — we separately collect “textile waste” like fabric scraps and clothing that are unwearable, they’ll be reused, deconstructed to be repurposed for other uses and / or shredded. These must be in clean condition as well, we don’t want to handle anything unsanitary so be respectful and considerate — please don’t treat this as a garbage dump!

The clothing swap will be a fair exchange, so if you bring 5 items then you can take 5 items. During quality check if any items are unfit for the swap, it’ll be considered a "mendable" and will not be part of the exchange / count — these are placed separately by the Textile Library Lab and are up for grabs with no limit (great for those willing to repair, rework or want to reuse it for a project). Participants should be browsing through only a good selection of items, so this process makes the swapping experience more enjoyable when there’s no "junk".

At the end, the remaining pieces that aren’t swapped will be sorted and responsibly distributed to local nonprofits / grassroots groups in our community that work directly with people who are in most need.

If you’re not interested in swapping and just want to donate clothing, please inquire for a list of places in the GTA that may accept your donations instead of giving them to for-profit organizations and / or consider these other options from this .

Please email Norwin at [email protected] if you have any questions or require financial assistance.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

East End Arts acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. East Toronto is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.

In keeping with those treaties, East End Arts is committed to the ongoing stewardship of this land. One of the ways we do this is by striving to create waste free programming, and we encourage those of you working in our shared spaces (like parks) to do the same. Another of the ways we do this is by encouraging the telling of stories and the making of art that engages directly with the landscape in our neighbourhoods, because we know that a greater understanding of that landscape will lead to a greater respect for the traditional stewards of this land, to whom we are so deeply indebted.

ACCESSIBILITY

St. Matthew’s Clubhouse is physically accessible with an accessible ramp and one accessible washroom. If you require any other accommodations, please email Norwin at [email protected] and they will do their best to make arrangements based on your accessibility needs.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR COVID-19

Following Ontario public health guidelines, masks are no longer mandatory inside St. Matthew’s Clubhouse, however we continue to operate a mask-friendly space, and we welcome all visitors, employees and volunteers to wear them.

We continue to ask all of our participants and visitors to practice social distancing, when and where possible. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available on site for anyone who needs them.

If you feel at all unwell, please stay home and cancel your ticket.

CANCELLATIONS

We understand that from time to time, things happen and plans change. If you feel unwell or simply can’t make it anymore, please cancel your ticket so that a spot can open up for someone else who would like to attend and / or may be on the waitlist.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

The closest subway station is Broadview station.

The closest bus is the 505 Dundas, which will drop you off at Broadview Ave / Langley Ave.

The closest streetcars are the 504 King, which will drop you off at Broadview Ave / Langley Ave, or the 506 College, which will drop you off at Gerrard St. East / Broadview Ave.

There are bike rings out front to accommodate your bike if you choose to cycle to the Clubhouse.

Please note that there is no public parking available at St. Matthew’s Clubhouse. Metered parking is available on the surrounding residential streets. Be sure to read the posted street signs to avoid being ticketed or towed. Also note that there are paid parking lots at Bridgepoint Hospital.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St. Matthew’s Clubhouse, 450 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, Canada