Update on the GIRO Textile Initiative
A lot has been happening behind the scenes at GIRO as we move full steam ahead with the next phase of our textile project ReLove Local.
Construction on the Makerspace building was completed in January and our crew have been busy building and installing the furnishings / shelving to hold workshop supplies and display to house the ReLove Local products.
Makerspace activities
The Makerspace will be a hub for numerous activities that support a central theme of rethinking textile waste and consumption habits. The ReLove Local website: www.relovelocal.ca has a calendar for adult and youth workshops, signup for an annual membership as well as information on monthly/drop-in rates.
Textile education with the Gabriola Elementary School
Weekly workshops in the Makerspace with students from the Gabriola Elementary School began at the beginning of April with instructor Kim Adam where they have been learning how to weave on a cardboard loom. Students from various grades come to the space for two hours each Friday to work on a project. These classes will continue throughout the school year.
Shredding textiles
Our shredding machine has been operational since January and staff have been busy shredding the backlog of textiles that we have been stockpiling since the beginning of the project. As the stock of shredded fiber is sold on to businesses looking for stuffing alternatives, we will have created more storage space and will then be able to begin accepting the community’s textiles that they are looking to be shredded. We realize that this process has taken far longer than we had anticipated, and we appreciate your patience as we clear this backlog of material.
Whether you are a crafter looking for a stuffing alternative or you are looking to restuff a cushion or pet bed, our shred is a great alternative. You can buy it loose (bring your own bag) or already bagged ($8 per pound) on Wednesdays (10am-3pm), from the Makerspace.
ReLove Local product line
The ReLove Local product line has expanded to include new products: Bucket hats (adults and kids), Banana bags, Cross-body bags, Everything pouches, Scrunchies and more. You can find the full product line on display in the Makerspace on Wednesdays and a reduced selection in the GIRO Restore as well as Ground Up café and Nature Spirit Earth Market. ReLove Manager Rachel St-Hilaire will be at the Gabriola markets through the summer and the Nanaimo night market on Thursday evenings. Check out our website www.relovelocal.ca for more details about the products, new vendor partnerships and more.
Grand Opening and textile art Show
To celebrate the Makerspace becoming operational we will be holding a Grand Opening on Friday July 19th, 5-8pm and Saturday July 20th, 10am-3pm. This will be in conjunction with an upcycled textile art show where Gabriola textile artists will be showcasing an upcycled piece of art that they have created using textiles from the GIRO waste stream.
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