"From Tablecloth to Fashion Statement: Embracing the Past Lives of Preloved Fabrics"

At Revival Works, the heart of what I do is steeped in stories, history, and transformation. Each shirt or top I create begins its journey as a preloved tablecloth, sourced lovingly from op shops, vintage stores, and independent sellers online. Places like Facebook Marketplace have become treasure troves, offering unique finds that spark my creativity.

Sourcing with Purpose

When I visit op shops or browse online listings, I’m not looking for perfection. In fact, imperfections often add to the charm of the textiles I choose. Stains, permanent marks or small holes? They’re not deal-breakers. Instead, I carefully place my pattern pieces to work around these flaws, showcasing the best of the fabric . Each tablecloth has its own quirks and character, and I see these as opportunities rather than limitations.

Shelves in an Op Shop are stocked with neatly arranged textiles and items, displaying a wide range of colors and patterns.

Imagining the Stories

Every time I unfold a tablecloth, I can’t help but wonder about its past life. Who were the people who once gathered around this fabric? What kind of meals were shared on it? Were there lively debates, laughter, or quiet moments of connection? If the tablecloth is adorned with hand embroidery, my curiosity deepens.

How long did the embroiderer—likely a woman—spend creating this intricate work? Did she follow a pattern, or did she improvise as she went along? Was she a kind person? Did she live a happy life? Is she still with us, or has her legacy now been woven into this fabric? These questions swirl in my mind as I prepare to transform the tablecloth into something new, giving it a second chapter.

A delightful assortment of four intricately designed tablecloths, each showcasing unique embroidery and lace detailing, rescued from an op shop.

Turning the Old into the New

The joy of my work lies in turning something forgotten or uncherished into a high-quality, one-of-a-kind garment. By doing this, I’m not just creating clothes; I’m advocating for the beauty of slow, sustainable, and timeless fashion. Each piece I make carries a story—both its original story and the new one it’s about to begin as part of someone’s wardrobe.

Revival Works showcases sustainable fashion with a stunning boxy shirt crafted from a rescued tablecloth, highlighting the beauty of upcycled materials.

A Love for Timeless Fashion

At Revival Works, I believe that fashion should be personal and meaningful. By repurposing preloved textiles, I’m able to craft garments that celebrate individuality while honouring the past. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that these pieces, once forgotten, can now be cherished again in a new form.

This blog post is just the beginning of sharing the Revival Works Studio journey. I hope it gives you a glimpse into the care, thought, and passion that goes into every piece I create.

Kirsten x