by Aaditya Tibrewal
Project Outcome: Handmade upcycled home furnishing textile items
Project Description: This project focused on creating handmade, upcycled home furnishing and textile items from discarded or used clothes such as old school uniforms, sarees, jeans, and textile scraps. The final collection included tote bags, table runners, placemats, patchwork runners, aprons, mittens, coasters, bookmarks, and keyrings—each designed to be trendy, functional, and eco-friendly.
The project aimed to address the growing problem of textile waste while promoting sustainable fashion and responsible lifestyle choices. By repurposing old fabrics into stylish and useful household products, the student demonstrated how creativity and conscious decision-making can help reduce waste and extend the life cycle of textiles.
Developed as part of the Grade 10 Integrated Humanities PBL Unit on Sustainable Communities, this largely self-initiated project encouraged independent exploration of upcycling processes. The process involved researching the environmental impact of textile waste, experimenting with techniques of fabric reuse, patchwork, and stitching, designing functional and aesthetically appealing prototypes, and handcrafting the final items.
Over a period of two months, the student worked through phases of research, design, creation, and reflection, ultimately producing a collection of unique, eco-friendly products that added value to everyday life. The project not only showcased creativity and craftsmanship but also inspired peers and the wider community to adopt more sustainable habits. It stands out as a meaningful example of how small-scale innovation can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.