House of Jackson designer Jackson Cook is helping Seasons of New England with the goal of zero waste

The high school student is creating reusable bags for producers at this year’s festival, but it’s not as simple as it looks.

The challenge was to find a fabric that was durable, sustainable and wouldn’t damage fresh fruit.

“One of the orchards used to package their apples in plastic,” Jackson said.

“I had to find a fabric that wouldn’t sweat the fruit, I looked at curtain fabric, tulle and mosquito mesh, I wanted something that would have the best properties for the final product.”

Jackson runs his own sewing and design business House of Jackson, that started after a bet with his grandmother.

Now, he’s a regular stall holder at markets across the New England.

For the festival, Jackson needs to stitch up more than 120 of the reusable bags for producers.

“The fabric costs a little bit but it is reusable so it’s not a once off, it will pay off over a period of time,” he said.

“It’s been really fun, I’ve recently been learning a lot more about different types of fabric, the way they work and their properties and structure.

“Before I pretty much only worked with woven fabrics, but now I’m looking at mesh, organza, tulle and new dying methods.”

Moving into textile art is the next challenge for Jackson, who said quilting is one of his favourite projects.

“At the moment I’m doing some kids clothes as a limited run, I’m more of a creative person so making a certain number of pencil cases – it slowly starts to get a bit boring.

“I’ve been experimenting at home with different techniques.”

And, some of his newer designs will be on show at Seasons of New England in Uralla.

Jackson said it’s one of his favourite markets because everyone is passionate.

“It’s got a good atmosphere, people are happy, people want to be there and as a stall holder that’s great – because if you have to serve people all day and they’re happy, it makes you happy,” he said.