A Q&A with Janine from Middlemost

Hey Janine! To start, we’d love to hear about your background. How did you first get into sewing and design, and what led you to launch your own label?

My mother taught me to sew at a very young age, and I’ve always loved making and wearing my own clothing.

In the early 2000s I was honing my skills at TAFE and the only fabric shops in my regional town left a lot to be desired. I loved op shopping and realised that I could use existing manchester (think sheets, bedspreads, blankets, tablecloths, tea towels etc.) plus fabric remnants and notions to sew with instead of new fabrics. The quality of the textiles, even though they are second hand, is far superior.

From this, Middlemost was born! I have not looked back.

For those discovering your work for the first time, how would you describe the Middlemost philosophy and your approach to creating a garment?

Middlemost is a slow fashion business based in Wagga Wagga, Wiradyuri Country, NSW. I have a retail / studio / workshop space in the CBD.

The clothing is made by me, using vintage and repurposed textiles. I collect vintage fabrics and textiles and use them to make bespoke, one-of-a-kind garments. My inspiration always starts with the fabric; the size, colour and weight will determine what will be made. To keep it interesting, I only make one of each garment.

It sounds like Middlemost Studios functions as much more than just a retail space. Could you walk us through what a typical week looks like for you and how you utilise the studio?

My retail space is open Wednesday to Saturday. Monday is spent sourcing textiles and preparing them for cutting, spot-checking, laundering and ironing. On Tuesday, I go into the studio and spend the day designing and cutting. Any new concepts are visualised, and patterns are made for samples. The clothing is then assembled between customers on the days the retail space is open.

The space I work in is very relaxed: music is playing, the air con is great, and I have couches for clients to chill out on whilst taking in the environment. The benefit of working in the retail space is that if alterations are needed to my garments they can be done whilst the client waits. It’s also fun for customers to see the process.

I also run workshops in the studios. My most popular one is the “Upcycled Weekend Adventure”. I start on the Saturday: we meet in the studio, have tea or coffee and a quick chat to get to know each other. Then I take the students on a walking tour of the local op shops. We share ideas and stories on the way. The goal is to find ways to alter and/or customise existing garments. We spend Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday designing and sewing together. It’s a lot of fun.

The other workshops I run are “Make Do and Mend”, “Tuesday Sewing Club”, “Sunday Crafternoon” and “Collage Workshop”. Sharing skills and teaching is something that has happened organically as the space has evolved, and I enjoy this very much.

A selection of Janine’s work. Images sourced from www.middlemost.com.au.

You have been working with recycled materials for over two decades now. What is it about vintage textiles that continues to inspire your design process?

I now have a vast collection of fabrics to work with in my studios, all sourced second hand, all natural fibres.

Using repurposed textiles is exciting, as it limits you in a way and forces you to be more creative. My designs are made to be comfortable, fit a range of body shapes and sizes, and to look great on. I like clothing that is easy to wear. The fabric is always the superstar.

Using repurposed textiles just feels right. When I cut a beautiful hand-embroidered tablecloth or patchwork quilt and make garments, it is giving a new life and honouring the work of the past – usually women’s work which has been discarded. This feels like a feminist statement.

Congratulations on Middlemost’s recent accreditation with Ethical Clothing Australia! What drove your decision to become accredited and what does it signify for your brand?

I have always been an advocate for slow, sustainable and ethical fashion, even in my early op shopping days. It makes sense. Fair wages and working conditions for everyone in the textile supply chain should be a given, but unfortunately it isn’t always the reality.

My accreditation from Ethical Clothing Australia means a lot to me, as it shows that I stand by my values. Ethically made in Australia.

Learn more about Middlemost here and see their brand listing in the our directory.