Textile ResQ Collective

Check out some of the new Spring arrivals at the Op Shop on Saxton. Our racks are bursting with short sleeve tops, skirts and some very stylish halter tops for the deliciously warm Spring afternoons. There’s still merino and wool blanket coats to get you through the chilly mornings.

Spring is just around the corner and ResQ is breaking out the linen! Check out some of the new spring arrivals at the Hospice Shop on Vanguard street in Nelson.

What people wear says so much about who they are. It can indicate age, origin,gender,values and so much more. Clothing is personal. Sometimes an article of clothing takes on a certain meaning or is imbued with an emotion or memory. It has the ability to tell a story.
If you have a garment that “tells a story” you would like to share, please email it along with a photo (of yourself and/or the garment) to [email protected]. No guarantee it will be shared here but ResQ would love to hear about it.

As a young teenager living in Invercargill in 1971 Louise decided to enter the prestigious Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards. She created an “outfit which consisted of yellow hot pants with a deep V overlaid with yellow chiffon to the ground. It was a halterneck and had a beautiful gold braid going around the top, down to the tummy and then laced with gold braid. It was a big job.”

She parcelled it up and sent it off to Wellington to be judged. She did not receive an award and was “ a bit of a wreck by the rejection but it was a great learning curve. It didn’t put me off sewing as I continued for the next 55 years making children’s clothes, patchwork quilts and now enjoying textured embroidery in Nelson.”

Unfortunately her Mother got rid of the outfit she made for the Benson & Hedges Fashion Awards during a house move. However, Louise still has a bit of the gold braid.

Last week we met with Vicky from Little Green Steps, Claire from Curtain Bank - Nelson Tasman Marlborough, and Sylvia from Textile ResQ Collective to discuss all things waste minimisation and umbrella services - exciting things ahead!

ResQ is 100% Volunteer driven. Our members come from all walks of life and contribute all manner of talent, creativity and energy to our work. ResQ simply would not exist without them.
Introducing Volunteer Chris Rudge.

Chris has been sewing all her life. It was an integral aspect of her Swiss family culture. Learning from her Mother (who sewed most of the family’s clothes) and other family members from a very young age, Chris is also proficient in knitting and cross stitching. It hasn’t been a stretch for her to exercise those skills as a ResQ volunteer.
After noticing the ResQ sign at the Op Shop on Saxton and subsequently reading an article in the paper, she tracked us down. Her contribution to the team has been so valuable. Her skill, innovation and attention to detail has lifted the bar for many of us. She is always happy to share her knowledge as well which is part of the community ethos of ResQ.
Chris has also learned some new skills, such as felting and using an industrial sewing machine. She enjoys the “community of skills”, the support and ongoing learning she has found at ResQ.

Textile ResQ is looking for a new space!