Stitching Together the Past and the Present
- Kirsten Coles
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
When I started Revival Works, I didn’t know exactly where it would lead. I just knew I couldn’t walk past the shelves in op shops filled with tablecloths, embroidered linens, and household fabrics without feeling like they deserved another chance. They’ve all had a life before — and that’s something worth holding onto.
I often think about the people who made these pieces. The hems sewn neatly, the crocheted edges done by hand, the patterns chosen because someone loved them. They weren’t made to be thrown away. But in today’s world, that’s often what happens.
Revival Works became my way of changing that. I see these fabrics as treasures, not leftovers. When I turn one into a shirt, a jacket, or a pair of shorts, it feels like I’m working alongside the original maker. Their work meets mine, and together we create something completely new.
This process has changed how I see clothing. It’s slower, yes — but that’s the point. I notice the details now: the colours in a hand-dyed thread, a small repair made years ago, or a faint mark that’s part of its history.
Revival Works isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about honouring the fabrics that are already here and making sure they keep being worn and loved.
Every piece is a bridge between the past and the present, made with care and ready for many more years of life.
If you have something tucked away — your nana’s tablecloth, a family picnic rug, or just a fabric you’ve always loved — take it out and enjoy it. Wear it, use it, tell its story. That’s how we keep these pieces alive.
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