For the Biennale of Sydney’s third Water Lesson, Casino Wake Up Time artists Auntie Janelle Duncan, Auntie Margaret Torrens, Theresa Bolt and Kylie Caldwell shared stories and discussed sustainable practice through individual and collaborative weaving activities at the South Eveleigh Community Rooftop.

Exercise | Upcycled String Ornament

You will need

  • Scrap fabric – Preferably cotton longer than a metre

  • Scissors

  • Time and patience

Step-by-step

  1. Cut or tear your fabric into strips of 1-2cm widths (the smaller the width, the finer the string) Tip: Be sure to keep your string width consistent

  2. Tie two fabric strips together at one end with a small knot to start

  3. Start twisting the strip in your left hand anticlockwise whilst a friend holds the knot (you can also tape the knotted end to a wall)

  4. Place the twisted strip (left-hand) on top of the untwisted strip (right-hand)

  5. Begin twisting the strip in your right hand clockwise and place it on top of strip one

  6. Repeat this process until there is no fabric remaining

  7. Tie a small knot at the end to keep the string bound.

  8. Use your decorative item as a bag tag, key chain or something entirely different?