Connect & Learn + Share Table

Tackling Textile Waste: Mending, Upcycling and Repurposing Fabric

presented by Margy Heuschele

Monday 17 August 2026

6.30 pm - 8.30 pm

at Level 3 Meeting Rooms, Toowoomba City Library,

Corner of Herries and Victoria Streets, Toowoomba, QLD 4350

or online via Zoom

You'll receive the Zoom link after you book.

This event is organised by Permaculture Toowoomba Inc.

Bookings are Essential

Please book so we have your contact details and know how many will be attending.

What We'll Do

6.30 pm - Learn - Tackling Textile Waste: Mending, Upcycling and Repurposing Fabric

Presented by Margy Heuschele

What We'll Learn

Did you know, according to Clean Up Australia, Australia is now the highest consumer of textiles per person in the world with more than 200 000 tonnes of clothing ending up in Australian landfills each year? Old clothes make up most of the rubbish, but it also includes other textiles such as towels, curtains, tablecloths and upholstery.

In this practical session, Margy Heuschele will show you examples of how she refashions, repairs and repurposes recycled textiles and clothing, how to extend the life of your clothes and textile articles through mending and creatively reimagine ways to use discarded fabric so that it doesn’t end up in landfill.

In this session we will:

Investigate how to use a variety of recycled fabric including curtains, tablecloths, pillowcases, sheets, chair covers and second-hand clothes to make unique garments.
Explore different methods for mending clothes including visible mending, darning and boro/sashiko inspired patches.
Outline sources of recycled textile and ways to harvest fabric and haberdashery.
Brainstorm creative ways to reuse fabric waste.
Learn how to make fabric twine from fabric scraps.

About Margy Heuschele

Margy is a recently retired teacher librarian who is passionate about living simply and slowly, looking after the planet which God has entrusted into our care, building community to help and support one another and the benefits of being still. She was the founding coordinator of a group called Simple Living Toowoomba which involved running workshops once a month for over ten years on a host of topics including making sauerkraut, keeping backyard chooks, making your own household cleaners, decluttering and rag rug making. After a hiatus for several years, Margy is looking at starting the group again. Watch this space!

Margy lives with her husband David who is a blacksmith, a master at fixing things and supporter of all her crazy ideas. They have three boisterous grandsons and both thoroughly enjoy camping in their caravan or roof-top tent beside a river.

Margy loves to sew using only recycled material, makes her own soap and knits socks – very slowly. She has taken up archery, enjoys carving her own stamps for lino printing and loves to learn new/old skills. One of the next skills she wants to learn is Naalbinding – an ancient form of Viking knitting.

7.45 pm – Connect – Light Supper (provided) and Share Table

A light supper will be served (including Gluten Free and Vegan options).

Please bring your own KeepCup or mug so we can reduce waste.

Sharing of produce on the Share Table opens after the presentation to allow plenty of time for everyone to place their donations, and then allow you to browse, connect and make your selections during supper.

Parking

Free off-street parking is available under the library (enter from Victoria Street).

Access

The venue has access for wheelchairs, walking frames, and strollers as needed. Everyone is welcome (including children with parental supervision).

We hope we see you there!

What to Bring

KeepCup or similar for your drink at supper (we're trying to minimise waste)
Donations of surplus produce for the Share Table

Share Table

Do you have surplus?

We encourage you to bring your surplus produce, plants, seeds, books, craft supplies, and resources to share with others at our events.

Some ideas of what you could bring include – fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, milk, jams, pickles, preserves, jars, ferments, starters, SCOBYs, seeds, plants, seedlings, cuttings, tubers, pots, tools, gardening magazines, permaculture books, recipes, patterns, manure, coffee grounds, compost additives, worms, mealworms, wool, fabric, craft supplies, soap, natural cleaning products, plastic alternatives, produce bags – the list is extensive.

Please bring whatever you can and then take home whatever you need within our culture of generosity and free sharing.

Cost

Financial Members of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. - Free
First time visitors to a Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. event - $10.00
Non-Members - $20.00
Children attending with an Adult - Free (but please book so we know the total numbers)

Membership 2026

Annual Membership of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. is due by 31 December each year. It's only $50 per person or $40 for a second or subsequent adult living in the same home.

Financial Members can attend regular events and workshops during the year at no cost.

You can pay your membership for 2026 at checkout when you book to attend this event.

Membership forms will be available at the event for anyone wishing to join, or available here for download at http://www.permaculturetoowoomba.com.au/membership/

Contact the host of Connect and Learn - Tackling Textile Waste: Mending, Upcycling and Repurposing Fabric