This February, the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival arrives in Wyndham as Wyndham City hosts three, free sustainable fashion workshops at part of Council’s creative Tapestry of Culture program.
Each workshop will be held at the Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princess Highway, Werribee
The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival 2026 runs from 14-28 February and is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the theme ‘Fashion as a Spectator Sport’.
Create Your Own Wearable Art, led by Indigenous (trawlwoolway/Palawa) artist and designer Josh Deane will be held on Saturday 14 February, 1.30pm–4.30pm.
This workshop invites participants to step into the world of sustainable style and wearable art. Learn the painting techniques Josh uses to breathe new life into textiles and transform old clothes into a statement piece. Participants are asked to bring one clean item of clothing made from organic materials only, such as cotton T-shirts, denim jackets or jeans, or genuine leather. This Is My T-Shirt: A Beginner Pattern-Making Class will be held on Saturday 21 February, 1.30pm–4.30pm.
Join local technical creative and expert Sam Gehrich for a practical, hands-on introduction to pattern making. This session covers the foundations of creating your own patterns through a clear, step-by-step approach to measuring, drafting, and completing a basic pattern from scratch. Participants will take their own measurements and draft a front, back, and sleeve pattern for a simple T-shirt, gaining skills to create clothing that truly fits the way they want it to. This workshop focuses on pattern drafting only; no cutting or sewing will take place. Participants will take home a personalised paper pattern to bring to life in their own time.
Hand Embroidery to Upcycle and Customise a Garment, will take place on Saturday 28 February, 1.30pm–4.30pm. Perfect for beginners and craft lovers alike, this session is led by Phong Chi Lai (Studio PCL), a Naarm-based textile artist, designer, and maker specialising in contemporary quilts and soft sculptures through improv patchwork. This hands-on workshop introduces hand embroidery as a creative and sustainable way to upcycle and personalise garments. Participants are encouraged to bring along a garment, whether an old favourite or a basic piece ready for transformation. You’ll learn essential embroidery stitches, experiment with colour and texture, and explore design ideas that reflect your personal style. Participants will leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that tells their story.
For more information and to book into these free workshops visit: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/arts-culture/public-art-programs-projects/tapestry-culture