Story proudly provided by Coast Lines magazine

When Brenda Richards picks up a needle and thread, she’s not just sewing — she’s telling a story. One about sustainability, community and finding beauty in what others might discard. Through her creative venture Wild Woman of Willunga, Brenda is inspiring people across the Fleurieu to reimagine the life of their clothing and fabrics — one stitch at a time.

This December and January, she’s inviting locals to join her in a series of Free Summer Recycled Textile Workshops at the Here’s to Strength Community Wellness Hub in Aldinga, supported by the City of Onkaparinga. Each workshop transforms preloved materials into something unique — whether it’s a denim jewellery piece, a Christmas decoration, a recycled jeans bag or a reversible bucket hat.

The free sessions aren’t just about crafting; they’re about connection, creativity and learning how small actions can make a big difference.

“My passion for recycled clothing grew from two main sources,” Brenda says. “Watching War on Waste, which highlights how much clothing and textiles end up in landfills and studying for a BA in Community Development, where I learned about the major social, economic and environmental challenges brought on by fast fashion — such as its high resource use, increased waste and poor worker conditions.”

What began as a personal love for repurposing has evolved into a movement for conscious creativity. Through Wild Woman of Willunga, Brenda champions sustainability while celebrating self-expression — turning discarded fabrics into one-of-a-kind designs that carry meaning and character. “Transforming items headed for landfill into unique pieces fills me with joy,” she says. “It’s deeply rewarding to know that I’m contributing to a more sustainable future while helping others discover the same sense of purpose and creativity.”

Her upcycling journey blends environmental awareness with artistry. She teaches participants not only how to sew, but how to see potential in the overlooked — a frayed shirt becomes a tote bag, a worn-out pair of jeans transforms into something wearable again. Every piece tells a story of renewal.

Thanks to support from the City of Onkaparinga, Brenda is now sharing these skills with the community through her free summer workshops. “This is an ideal opportunity for me to share my sewing expertise and teach sustainable textile upcycling techniques,” she says. “Bringing together small groups to create and collaborate not only fosters self-expression but also inspires people to give new life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfill. Witnessing participants’ joy as they complete their projects and turn them into something unique will be truly rewarding.”

The timing couldn’t be better. The summer months bring people outdoors and together, and the Here’s to Strength Wellness Hub in Aldinga provides the perfect setting. Its focus on wellbeing and connection aligns with Brenda’s approach, where the calm rhythm of sewing and the chatter around the table become part of the therapy. “People come for the creativity, but they stay for the connection,” Brenda says. “There’s something powerful about sitting together, stitching, sharing stories, and realising you’re part of a community that cares.”

Each workshop is designed to be simple, social and stress-free. Participants don’t need prior experience — just a willingness to experiment. Brenda provides the tools, fabrics, and guidance to help everyone, from beginners to experienced sewers, discover the joy of creative reuse. The sessions highlight not only the environmental benefits of recycling but also the mental health benefits of making. Sewing has long been known for its meditative qualities, offering focus and mindfulness in every stitch.

“The beauty of these workshops is that they nurture both creativity and wellbeing,” Brenda says. “When people make something with their hands, they slow down, relax and rediscover the joy of creating. It’s a simple act that has such a positive impact.”

Brenda’s philosophy goes beyond fabric — it’s about rethinking consumption and community at large. Through Wild Woman of Willunga, she promotes circular economy principles, where nothing goes to waste and every resource is valued. Her message is simple: sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice — it can be colourful, creative, and empowering.

“Wild Woman of Willunga champions sustainability and loves reinventing preloved garments into unique pieces,” she says. “It’s about showing people that small, mindful actions — like reusing fabric — can make a real difference.”

Brenda’s workshops are open to everyone, with limited places available through Humanitix or www.wildwomanofwillunga.com.au. All materials are provided, although participants are welcome to bring old garments they’d love to transform. Each session promises an afternoon of creativity and connection — and perhaps a new way of looking at what we wear.

As Brenda puts it, “We’re all capable of making something beautiful from what we already have. That’s what Wild Woman of Willunga is all about — finding joy, connection and meaning in the act of creating, and realising that every stitch can make a difference.”