For Marian Gibson, sewing has always been part of her story.
“I made my first dress by hand when I was eight,” she recalls - the beginning of a lifelong passion inspired by her grandmother who loved sewing.
After a career in public service and running her own fabric shop, Marian retired five years ago and found herself looking for a way to give back to her community.
“I joined Repair Lab when I retired because I felt I wanted to give something back,” she says.
Held on the fourth Sunday of each month at the City of Melville EcoHub, Repair Lab brings together skilled volunteers who help fix everything from clothing and backpacks to small appliances and bikes. Marian is one of the textile repairers, using her experience to mend well-loved items and keep them out of landfill.
“People bring in all sorts of things — dolls, school uniforms, stroller, bags with broken zips. There’s even a bit of a ‘zip specialist’ among us,” she laughs.
But for Marian, it’s about more than just repairs.
“I get a real kick out of volunteering. You’re helping people, being creative, and it’s all in such a supportively social atmosphere.”
It was this sense of connection that led to the creation of the Social Textiles Group — a relaxed, welcoming space for people who simply want to sew together or learn how to repair their own items.
“There were a lot of people at Repair Lab saying they wanted to learn how to sew, or just have somewhere to sit and sew with others,” Marian explains. “So the idea grew from there with the support from the amazing team at EcoHub.”
Now running on the second and fourth Sundays of every month, Social Textiles has become a thriving group where people can learn new skills, work on their own projects, or contribute to shared creations — including a now much-loved “bunting library” that started as a simple idea and quickly took off.
“It really took on a life of its own,” Marian says.
Importantly, you don’t need to own a sewing machine or be an expert to get involved.
“Everyone has different reasons for coming — some want to learn, some want to be social, others just want to do something productive. You find your reason.”
For Marian, volunteering is simple.
“It makes you feel good. It’s my way of giving back.”
Whether you’re handy with repairs, keen to learn something new, or just looking to connect with others, there’s a place for you. Check out the open opportunities to volunteer here.