these dresses raise money for women in afghanistan
There’s more to these frocks than pretty patterned fabric and a lovely, floaty shape – they’re being auctioned off this week as part of a super-special sewing project to support asylum seekers and women in Afghanistan.
Brisbane textile artist Sue-Ching Lascelles stitched together the five dresses using tea towels and fabric donated by arty ladies Claire Ritchie and Anna Spiro and local brands Aqua Door Designs and Dancing with Juniper.
The idea was sparked earlier this year, after a dress Sue-Ching made from a dozen vintage tea towels received loads of positive feedback on Instagram. Inspired by Birgitta Helmersson’s zero-waste gather dress, the frock used up almost all of each tea towel and included buttons that were sourced from old garments and charity shops. “After all the amazing feedback on my tea towel dresses, I wanted to try and capture all that crazy good, positive energy and use it to do something wonderful,” Sue-Ching says.
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So, Sue-Ching decided to create a range of one-of-a-kind dresses that could be auctioned off to raise money for asylum seekers and the women of Afghanistan in particular. Sue-Ching says the Close to my Heart Project is a joyful way to show love and support to these women. “I often use fashion as a way of expressing myself without words,” she says. “I felt this project could, in some small way, give voice to the recent plights of Afghani women who have had their voices restricted.”
The online auction will run from November 14 to 21 and all proceeds will support the Romero Centre and Women for Women International. Head here to take part in this rad initiative and follow Sue-Ching on Instagram for more info.
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