Makers Next Door: Meet Sustainable Tailor, Mel
Mel (not his full name), a 70-year-old ex-law enforcer, delights in putting together unique apparel and furnishing decor during his spare time. Having picked up sewing from his mother as a teenager, it came as no surprise when he returned to it in his retirement.
But rather than doing it at home, Mel has been using the sewing machines at the Tampines Regional Library’s makerspace. Since 2019, he has repurposed old clothing and fabrics, using them to create everything from pillowcases to curtains. A firm believer of sustainable practices, Mel enjoys the challenge of revitalising old textile materials and giving them a new lease of life.
Finding Joy in Experimentation
Growing up, Mel helped his mother with her sewing business and learnt how to sew a straight stitch from her. He continued sewing during and after his National Service days to pass time, or to mend the occasional hole in his clothing.
Experimentation and the ability to customise clothes to his liking are some of his favourite parts of the sewing process. “It’s fun to work with new ideas and make mistakes,” he says. He recalls his very first attempt at re-working a pair of pants—he had chosen the wrong stitch and was unable to fit into them. “I don’t wear it now but it’s still back home. I can look at it and laugh!”
Sewing also allows Mel to customise his clothes. He usually adds new pockets and buttons where he sees fit. Sometimes, he even transform garments entirely. Some of his most memorable transformations include turning his wife’s old batik sarong kebaya into a vest for her, a pair of shorts for himself, and a skirt for his daughter. He also fondly recalls using a penguin-print fabric to make a skirt for his daughter, and using the remaining fabric for an armrest. No fabric goes to waste in his hands!
Asked which fabric was his favourite, Mel says he enjoys working with cotton and linen because he first started out with them and they are simple to work with. He has also experimented with fabrics like satin and silk, but isn’t a fan as they tended to slip on sewing machines.
Leading a More Sustainable Life
Aside from exercising his creativity and ingenuity, Mel finds it rewarding to sew and tailor his own clothes as doing so saves him money and helps break the cycle of constantly throwing things away. “Sewing is good for anyone at any age and saves the environment,” he asserts. “Overconsumption contributes to climate change and we need to take steps to reverse it.”
Dedicated to reducing as much waste as possible, Mel has stuck to sewing his own clothes and has not purchased anything new since 2004. “I reuse clothes that I would’ve thrown out otherwise,” he explains.
Upon retirement, Mel repurposed many of his office shirts for everyday wear by removing their collars and long sleeves. “Singapore is rather hot, so I’ve modified many shirts into sleeveless ones!”
Discovering MakeIT at Libraries
How did Mel come to know about the sewing machines at MakeIT at Tampines? It all began when his daughter moved into a new flat and needed some curtains. Coincidentally, Mel was at the Tampines Regional Library and discovered the makerspace. After asking about the sewing machines, he brought the curtain fabric during his next visit, and the rest is history.
While some might turn to purchasing a sewing machine, Mel finds the reliable sewing machines at the library readily available, and doesn’t feel a need to invest financially in one. Furthermore, the makerspace provides him with a sense of community—he delights in sharing his skills with others and spreading the joy of recycling their own garments by helping them shorten their shirts, skirts and pants. He has even encouraged people looking into the space to come in and learn about the 3D printers! “I really enjoy the company here,” he says. “The staff and other users are very friendly and helpful.”
Mel wholeheartedly recommends people to pay MakeIT at Libraries a visit and learn something new and unique. “Come and give it a shot!” He laughs. “It’s a unique service and we ought to make use of it. We learn from our mistakes and I’m still learning something new every day.”
About MakeIT
MakeIT is a free-for-public library makerspace that aims to introduce the wonder of digital and tech-based creativity through 3D printing, robotics and other forms of tech-based tinkering to all adult and senior library members. All programmes and materials are free, and no expertise is required.
You can browse the range of MakeIT programmes here, join the community of makers at MakeIT on Facebook, or visit MakeIT at Libraries in person at the following locations:
