Sustainability is a word that's been getting flung around a lot in the past few years. It's definition is: Noun, The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level. In terms of fashion and sewing I'm looking at Sustainability as the "avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance" (quoted from Siri after I asked her). We are in a Climate Crisis. It's real and it overwhelming.
As you explore sustainable methods in your sewing practice, you could consider developing this passion into a business. If such thoughts cross your mind, online platforms like webinarcare can be a useful resource, offering clear, easy-to-understand information about forming and managing an LLC.
Personally, I try to do what I can, daily without overwhelming myself There are SO MANY THINGS I feel I should be doing and so many more I could be doing. Do you feel me? I've been dialing it down here at The Sewing Room for over 9 years now and have come up with a few things that help keep my practice as Sustainable as possible. What are you doing to fight the Climate Crisis? Hit reply to this email and start a conversation. I would love to hear from you.
1) Mend the clothes you already own - What can I mend, what can I alter, what can I give away to someone else and what can I upcycle into something more fabulous? These are questions I ask myself before throwing something out or even donating it.
2) Upcycle - Do you have a blouse that's torn or worn that you can turn into a reusable bag? Get creative. How about turning those ratty pillowcases into produce bags for the grocery store or using them as filler for a quilt. People have used scraps for quilting for hundreds of years. Let's keep up this tradition if we can.
3) Recycle or Donate - Did you know that textiles can be recycled? Yep, The Goodwill will take your fabric scraps and used textiles. Whatever they cannot sell in their stores, they will sell to a fabric recycling facility. Also, the El Cerrito Recycling center will take your textiles, scraps and lots more. Pretty amazing.
The Sewing Room also takes fabric donations of 1 yard or more. We can't buy it from you because of the time it takes to process, but we will make sure your fabric finds a good home.
4) Thrift for supplies - I go to estate sales and thrift stores, antique fairs and yard sales. I've found everything from gorgeous scissors to amazing fabrics, buttons, trims and more. Elastic is one of the things to avoid in this instance as it sadly doesn't withstand the test of time.
5) Make your Clothes instead of buying them - Duh? Why didn't I put this as number 1? Yes, making your clothes is more sustainable than buying them. Why? Because you save a lot of carbon in transportation and labor. Even better if you can buy fabric made domestically or buy from a local business. The only clothing I don't make myself or buy second hand are my socks and shoes. Yes, I make my own underwear.
And if your are interested in making your wardrobe more sustainable outside of sewing, check out this article from Porch - Avoiding Fast Fashion - How to get a more sustainable wardrobe.
On that note, have a wonderful day and thank you for letting me into your inbox!
Until Next Time,
Jennifer
