Slow Stitch is a small, sustainable clothing start-up designing and making one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing.
Working primarily with reclaimed and existing textiles, the label focuses on making garments, that continues its history. The Boxy Top collection brings together cherished tea-towels and surplus textiles, transforming existing materials into one-of-a-kind blouses.
Helene Power, the founder and maker behind Slow Stitch, works out of her studio on the Mid-North Coast of NSW, Gumbaynggirr Country. In 2026, she created a collection for the Macleay Valley Fashion Show, showcasing her approach to transforming existing textiles into sustainable clothing and wearable art. You can view the collection here.
As a sustainable fashion designer, Helene has established the following guidelines to inform her work.
Guiding principles
Sustainability | forms the base for the design process and how the pieces are made. All fabric used in the designs are sourced from local op-shops or organisational supplies of dead-stock fabric. From tablecloths to fabric from other peoples unfinished craft projects.
Intentional design and techniques | the design process is guided by the found fabric, its colour, texture and suitability of the fabric. The intention to design one-of-a-kind pieces honouring the process and craftsmanship.
No waste | Creativity and modular thinking is applied to her work and to make the most of the fabric available. Care is taken when cutting the designs to minimise fabric waste and any remnants are kept to be designed into smaller projects.
Presentation of garments | In a world of AI and endless possibilities of manipulating product imagery, we have decide not to use such tools ensuring the garment is presented in a true and authentic style.
Wear the story | As a designer of sustainable clothing, I wear what I make and have made the commitment to purchase only secondhand garments and essential items such as underwear and socks.
Allowing space for drawbacks | sometimes designs made are unsuccessful, when this happens moments are taken to reflect, evaluate and redesign ensuring nothing goes to waste.