We’re deep into the inspiration for Sustainable Sewing month, so it seems like a good time to admit: I’m not a sustainable sewist!
I love polyester prints too much to shop sustainably!
I value the environment, of course, and I *know* that small actions every day are the best way to stop climate change. However, here are my challenges:
1. I love polyester. I do! I am never happier than when sewing an ITY knit, a Liverpool crepe, or a funky double knit. They last forever (that’s the eco problem right there) and the prints and textures suit my sense of style. Polyester is easy for me to buy locally, and it fits my budget!
2. I also love rayon and bamboo! It was a sad day when I realised that rayon and bamboo create a lot of waste in production, because I adore the softness and drape of both.
Mmm, rayon! Its doesn’t last as long as polyester, but I love wearing it!
3. I haven’t enjoyed the eco fabrics I’ve bought. I’ve tried organic cotton lycra jersey, and I just don’t end up wearing it. It fades fast, is stiff without drape, and ugh, no thanks. I’ve also tried recycled poly blends, which are fine but so far only seem to come in boring solid colours. I need prints!!!
4. I sew a LOT. I probably make 100+ garments a year. Most are for me, but a healthy proportion are for my family. I’m a process-oriented sewist — it’s the whir of the machine that makes me happy, so slow sewing just doesn’t do it for me!
5. Sewing is my stress relief, and guilt over scraps brings me down. I used to save every scrap thinking I’d make kid clothes or underwear, but I sew so prolifically that the scraps built up way faster than I could use them. I’ve learned that I need to throw out a garbage bag full of scraps every 6 months or the guilt will kill my sewjo! I know this is bad. I know I should trek to the nearest mall and put them in H&M fabric recycling, but spending an hour to get rid of scraps just seems overwhelming. I want to do better but it makes panic rise in my stomach – and that’s not how my hobby should make me feel!
Do you hate me yet? Or are you nodding along, because you too feel like you don’t fit the mold of a sustainable sewist?
Here’s what I’ve decided though: My *sewing* isn’t ecofriendly, but my wardrobe can be! If I treasure my clothes, alter and repair them, pass them on when I’m finished, or wear them into the ground, then I am still doing my part. I’m not a sustainable sewist, but I am a sustainable dresser!
Sewing TNT patterns like the Comino Cap (above) means that I don’t waste fabric on fitting new patterns each time.
Here’s how:
1. Love what you make. I know my style and I know my wardrobe palette, so most of what I make is a success! I also use a lot of tried’n’true patterns, so I don’t waste much fabric on muslins and ill-fitting disasters. I wear my me-mades every day, and most days my sister and my husband are wearing things I’ve made too!
2. Alter things when it’s time. If a garment is fitting poorly or not being worn, then try adapting it! I have lots of dresses that became shirts, or boxy items that were cut down to a tank top. When I gain weight, alterations help me keep wearing that fabric I love. Alterations are also a great way to make things more stylish if your tastes change!
Here are a couple of things I’ve altered – I swear I don’t only sew leopard, though I do love it!
3. Pass them on. At least twice a year I pass on a giant IKEA bag of clothes I’m no longer wearing to friends and family. Sometimes things I haven’t worn in years will look fantastic on someone else! It also helps me alleviate the guilt that I’m always adding new things to my wardrobe.
4. The circle of life — everything becomes pyjamas eventually! Ok, not everything… but since I sew primarily knits, many things get demoted to lounge clothes or PJs once they are looking shabby. Then I can happily wear them until they sprout holes, and throw them away guilt free!
Here’s my final suggestion: Keep sewing FUN! If the idea of only buying sustainably-sourced fabrics or doing slow, reflective sewing brings you down… then don’t worry about it! Take risks with your sewing, and don’t worry if you make an impractical garment or try a new style and it doesn’t work out. Enjoy the clothes you do love, and get the most out of them. Try harder to be sustainable in some other parts of your life, and to me, it will all balance out! And remember this piece of wisdom from Alex’s recent post on building a meaningful wardrobe: “Even if one in 10 projects is a tiny bit more sustainable, it’s better than zero in 10.” I aim to build better habits in time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and confessions on sustainable sewing — there are many ways to approach it, and none are wrong!
Gillian cofounded the Sewcialists in 2013. She lives in Canada and loves cats, bright colours and sewing! She blogs at www.craftingarainbow.wordpress.com .
I love this, Gillian! With all I’ve been seeing on Slow Fashion October this month, it’s so easy to get bogged down with guilt over not doing enough, or having more in my closet than I “should” because I am not a fashion minimalist. Just last night, I saw an IG post about microplastics and a demand for using less synthetic fibers, and I found myself getting depressed because my skin has no tolerance for wool and so synthetics are the only way I can stay warm in the winter. But you’re right, small steps are better than none. And there’s other things I can do to offset the less sustainable parts of my sewing, like recycling what trash my state is willing to deal with and working towards more reusable packaging for my food. (Another massive rabbit hole that can bring me down, the eco-guilt struggle is real!)
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
You’re so right. I ADORE Fringe Association and all she does in the slow sewing movement – but you’re right. It’s as overwhelming as it is inspirational. It’s hard to separate “suggestion” and “awareness education” from feelings of judgement and keeping up with the Joneses. xoxo/B
I like to hear someone say something good about polyester. It looks good for a long time. I put polyester dresses in the dryer without worrying that they will shrink, and they don’t fade. I have bought many cotton tops and pants, not cheap ones, that fade long before the garment wears out. I now sew more of my clothes, and my experience with ready-made cotton clothing makes me wonder how long a me-made blouse will look nice if the fabric fades. I LIKE cotton, but is the garment going to be short-lived after the hours I spent making it? And cotton shrinks. I let my cotton blouses hang to dry, just to be safe. Plus, there are many sewists who cannot afford to buy the costlier sustainable fabrics. If I had to buy sustainable fabrics only, I wouldn’t be able to do much sewing. That’s a terrible thought!
That’s a good point about durability. I have an ITY dress I made probably about a decade ago, and it still looks great. I’ve had more natural fiber knits start pilling after 2-3 washes, and then find myself questioning whether trying to upcycle an already pilled fabric is worth the effort.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Excellent points! Longevity of a garment has its perks. You’re reducing the environmental impact of fabric production. It’s not all peaches and cream to process cotton or rayon into its wearable state; not to mention the Lycra/Elastane often added to the knit versions that don’t bag-out. My precious Cone Mills Ginger Jeans are all the S-denim – all have some percentage of poly & elastane (and my rear end is grateful! :D)
You have said what a lot of us are feeling – thank you!!! There doesn’t seem much room for real life with a lot of posts just telling us what we should and shouldn’t do with regards to sewing when really (home sewing) fabric production/buying/making / disposal is a drop in the ocean (no pun intended! ) amongst all the rest of Western consumption. The fact that we are all sewing shows we already have an appreciation of craft / making above and beyond just ‘buying stuff’ so whilst I think it’s great for us to know the facts and make changes if we are being wantonly wasteful, I just don’t think I can sustain my guilt over not being worthy or ethical enough. I never will be. Just by boiling a kettle for tea I have damaged the planet! And I too love rayon/viscose and knits and I too throw easy too many knit scraps away. You are definitely not alone!!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Isn’t Gillian a big old gust of fresh air? The eco-guilt we internalize from posts that are truly trying to be inspirational and helpful can really feel like a massive weight. For this site’s purposes, just so you know, we never ever intend for finger-pointing, we intend for sharing, absorbing, digesting, and applying if you like/can/want. I made all eco-friendly homemade house cleaning wipes, and you know what? I still buy disposable ones too because that is how I can get my husband to clean his areas of the house. We do what we can. Our house only has one car we share for a family of 5, it’s walking, biking, or transit otherwise…but it is a massive SUV to fit all of us and deal with snowy winters. To be human is to compromise. 😀
No one should tell you what to sew and if you want to stick with polyester for all your stated reasons, that’s fine but really, Gillian, your statement that taking an hour to go recycle your scraps is “overwhelming” is nuts. That is such a First World attitude. I’m sorry to be harsh but c’mon, you can do better than that! You have a giving and generous spirit. Tap in to it and go recycle those scraps!
I’d wonder if the one hour drive is even worth it, environmentally speaking. I much prefer the suggestion below to donate to a school (but beun a teacher herself I’m sure Gillian has looked into that option already)
I’m just going to gently remind that we all have different thresholds for overwhelm. As someone who has chronic health issues I totally get not feeling you have it in you to take that time. I think that while for some people it’s totally not a big deal there are lots of people who truly can’t take that hour for whatever reason. I also am guilty of not taking the time to donate things (I actually don’t even know if we have a place to recycle fibers in my city) but am working to be more conscious. I tend to just hang onto stuff which isn’t helping either!
I did a big purge during a recent move and honestly it all went to goodwill bc I just didn’t have the time or energy to deal with finding another place. We’re all doing what we can do; I think it’s important to remember that.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
These are all excellent points. Truly. Raising and sharing your personal thought process is all we intend here on this site. Share, think, apply if you like/can, don’t if you don’t. Opinions are welcome, experiences are learned from, feelings are connections for all humans. <3
Gillian is a most selfless person. She'll never toot her own horn about the work she does, but she's truly making a world of impact in her life.
Regarding your scraps: can you donate them to a local school or community center? When I was in high school, we learned to sew using donated scraps. The home economics teacher would donate the smaller pieces to the elementary school art teachers for the kids to use in collages or to stuff larger sewing project. Just a thought!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Excellent suggestions! Or I bet even home/afterschool care givers would love them as supplies!
Or if its really the “process” stuff you love, how about processing your scraps into some floor pillows for the fam! Or ya kno – any old whoever! If you collect them for 6 months and they’re just sitting there then anyway – why not stuff em into a pillowcase!
“I know my style and I know my wardrobe palette, so most of what I make is a success! ”
THAT PART!
I’m a pretty prolific sewer as well. And sustainability is never at the forefront of a fabric selection. In addition to that statement above, I ALWAYS make conscientious and thoughtful purchases. I ONLY buy fabric for specific purchases.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Right? A loved garment is a kept garment!
I’m not a joiner or bandwagoner. NOT saying everyone else is…just that I don’t need to be told how or what I “should” be doing with my sewing.
By the time you have your hands on a piece of fabric, the environmental damage has been done. I think the most mindful thing you can do is…be mindful about WHAT you sew.
I sew a lot too (less than in prior years) and I wear what I make so I don’t feel any sort of way about it. I’ve always had a large wardrobe even before learning to sew so why should that change?
And “slow sewing”…blergh. I don’t do anything slowly. LOL!!!
And funny this should post today…I work a corporate 9-5 and sew a lot of workwear. I was just researching direct-to-recipient clothing donations (vs Goodwill or Salvation Army) and there are several in my area that are specifically aimed at women’s interview and workwear. Win!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Did you listen to the Masters of Scale podcast episode with the founder of Dress for Success, Nancy Lublin?? The CEO of AirBNB interviews her and they talk about planning and scaling business. It’s got to be one of my top 10 favorite inspirational podcasts of all time.
https://mastersofscale.com/brian-chesky-handcrafted/
Thank you for this because I’m so NOT a sustainable sewist and the thought of changing all this up so late in the game – gives me the heebie jeebies! I do go through my closet and donate clothing 2x a year. I do save some scraps for the grandkids to play with when they come and I should be trekking stuff to H&M but I don’t. I do alter and like you a lot of pieces get relegated to worn at home and I wear them to death. Thank you so much for your thoughts on this!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
The thought of identifying as “sustainable” can be really daunting, can’t it? It can feel like you always need to ante up. As Gillian says above, just by the act of making and loving what you make, you ARE doing the earth a world of good (see what I did there, lol.) You have such a great style, and I’ve been following your blog for so long – not to mention all you make for your family.
The intent of the theme, or any theme we do really, is just for sharing. No judging. Share. Absorb. Apply if you like/can/want. Mostly, enjoy and have fun. <3
Thanks Gillian for raising this. I have to admit I’m nowhere near as sustainable in general since having kids. I just don’t have the time or spare cash! I would definitely second the idea of donating scraps to schools, or perhaps if you have something like Freecycle locally you could advertise and someone might come and pick them up. Saves you time and hassle! I had loads of interest last time I advertised a bag of fabric scraps 🙂
And I hear you on polyester. It is definitely more durable than some natural fibres. I’d love to sew with wool, linen or tencel all the time, but my budget generally won’t stretch to that 🙁
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
“Since having kids…” I know, right? That’s its own full time job, in addition to everything else you need to be “YOU.”
We all fit in and apply the themes here as we can. Freecycle is an EXCELLENT suggestion! That reminds me – FB users can often find local FREE sections/sites for their areas. <3
You must have read my mind because this is exactly what I’m feeling and I was about to write my own little blog post on the subject. I wish I could afford to be sustainable but I’m just on the cusp of retiring and I know my budget will not stretch to organic or sustainably made fabric on an everyday basis. I love sewing and I love the new synthetics too and while this is a hobby it has always been driven by my budget! I don’t feel that guilty about my consumption because I have always shopped or made for my aesthetic, not for trends and I always wear my clothes pretty much until they disintegrate. So I will have to be unsustainable except the special occasions when I can stretch to one of those eco-friendly materials.Bad news about bamboo – I was hoping that would be my gateway to the good path!
Lainee, I’m sorry that you feel that sustainability is out of reach but I get it – actually I’ve written a blog post on whether sustainability is primarily for people with $$ … but I’m a bit scared to publish it! I really don’t think its all about fibres though – wearing your clothes to death is an excellent option! There are so many small things we can do in our lives generally and clothing is but one aspect.
I think you are right Kate, I’m trying to take a holistic view, I’m sewing my stash whenever possible. I’m also looking at other areas of my life to reduce waste and overconsumption. That’s my way to contribute.
Kate, please publish it! As a student with grad school salary living in a big city I can say that being sustainable (and cheap!) with your sewing practice is possible. Ok, I sort of cheat because I only wear black. Indeed the struggle is real, and the answer very unclear. I try to ask as many questions as possible and to buy from producers I know, in order to be at least sure that the dyes used are not toxic
One thing is for sure: one month will not be enough for this sustainability subject!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
😀 Seriously! LOL. I feel we’re going to have keep it only that long because the internalized eco-guilt/fatigue factors that keep popping up. This site is about sharing, helping, and apply as needed/wanted/capable. We’ll balance it with a more “frosting” theme next! 😀
I love natural fibres, and I prefer to wear them. I sweat too much to be truly comfy in synthetics. However, I don’t rule them out, but I have stopped buying the super cheap nasty acrylic fabrics that feel disgusting. I make a little less than I used to, but waste far less fabric too. I actually quite like the challenge of using up scraps and really like the work of zero waste Daniel. I still use plastics in my sewing, but I consider if it’s the best option and what the alternatives are before doing so. My favourite makes this year. One is a denim dress, 100% natural fibre and one is polyester.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Thoughtful making really seems to be the fit and the takeaway here, doesn’t it? You seem to really have your finger on a great balance.
We all do the best that our lifestyle and budget will allow. At least with sewing our own clothes we are not supporting the sweatshop economy of third world garment producers who overwhelmingly employ women. Every small effort counts.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
EXACTLY my thoughts. <3
Gillian, no one can hate you for sewing polyester clothes or sewing prolifically! I think the whole “sustainable sewist mold” is a myth and I’d hate to think that people believe sustainable sewing = only buying expensive fabric produced in an eco friendly manner or sewing very slowly. Its just not the case, we each need to determine what it means for us as individuals.
If someone is interested in sustainability then it makes more sense to be looking holistically at lifestyle rather than just worrying about the sewing aspect. As some commenters have said here, sewing is a hobby and should bring joy. Guilt and preaching is not the way forward (nor is the constant flow of depressing statistics) – whilst awareness is important, getting eco fatigue doesn’t helping the cause!
I so appreciate you posting this, because I also am not a particularly sustainable sewist. I buy what I like, and that’s often rayon/viscose or something with at least a bit of synthetic in it. I feel guilty every time I put my scraps in the bin. Some of the members of my ASG chapter take their scraps to a fiber recycling place – but I have neither the time nor the energy to do that. One thing I do is save any cottons to make up kennel quilts and I ship those off when there’s a natural disaster or other need.
But here’s the thing that I remind myself of. I DON’T buy RTW. I’m not adding to the massive mess created by H&M, Zara and Walmart. Because I sew I’m not buying 6 versions of some crap shirt at Kohls and trashing it because it looks like crap after being washed 3 times (which I used to do!). My *belief* is that those of us who sew our garments have a smaller wardrobe and what we have is more precious and is kept longer, so we are way ahead of alot of other people when it comes to sustainability. Off my soapbox now!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Excellent soapbox – and exactly what is intended from the theme. Know who you are, know what you are comfortable doing, and know your options. That’s all any theme on this site is really. Sprinkle in some fun!
I love the kennel quilts idea! That’s a great one!
Well! Another interesting post! So many great comments! Thanks to Kate and Judy! I enjoy my hobby and I am going to be more aware moving forward and attempt to make better choices. Overtime my sewing practice will become more sustainable. I appreciate the movement and I will incorporate what I can. But really? Gillian do your thing! Who knows maybe you don’t use any toxic cleaning supplies or maybe you shop local? We are all going to do our part on different fronts. Let’s stick together.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
YAS! This site and every theme is about knowledge sharing, applying as needed/wanted/capable. No Judgy McJudgersons need apply. <3 We are a cohesive group with a world of variety. You make excellent points.
If humans are to be truly sustainable, we wouldn’t have our fancy widgets, computers, cell phones, take-out, big homes—or small ones too—shopping centers, all-in-one birthday parties, cars… you get where I’m going with this.
We do what we can. It’s important to make an effort somewhere in this giant spectrum and also important not to let anxiety and guilt take over our lives.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Right? I have an heirloom diamond ring I don’t wear, but the laptop/phone/whatever I’m typing this on is responsible for more deaths than any diamond, and this electronic device is so environmentally destructive…just the batteries alone.
We could work ourselves up into hypocritical human condition tizzies all day long 😀
The purpose of any theme and this entire site is information sharing, perspective sharing, and applying if it fits. No positive action ever comes from guilting or shaming anyone. Not in the long run. xoxo
If it makes you feel any better, pressuring people to make small, incremental changes in their lives, like not using plastic straws or only sewing with organic cotton, is actually a lie capitalism has fed us in order to shift the blame for climate change. A handful of giant coporations are in fact solely responsible for the lion’s share of atmospheric carbon & environmental damage, so…In fact, the best way to address climate change is to overthrow capitalism!
But anyway. Donating scraps to H&M is also probably a waste of an hour’s drive. So much of the fabric that is “recycled” here in the the United States/Canada/other western industrialized nations actually just gets shipped off to developing nations to become their environmental catastrophe. You’d be better off donating your fabric bits to a local preschool or something, to use for art projects.
If it makes you feel any better, we can think of ourselves as off-setting one another fabric-wise. I NEVER sew with poly fabrics, with the exception of very specific uses (ie, swimsuit fabric for swimsuits, Duoplex for bras) because I just hate the way they feel, the way they wear, everything about them. I’m all about those natural fibers–not because I am under the impression that they are somehow more ecologically sound (hi, the water waste that goes into producing enough cotton for a single bolt of fabric is staggering), but because it’s my personal preference, just like poly is your personal preference. I’ll sew your share of natural fibers & you can sew my share of poly.
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
oh, the hypocrisy of it all, amirite? the plastic straws thing just has me so….yeah. I feel you. This laptop I’m typing on, or the new phone every 2 years that everyone must have is astronomically worse, but hey…have a cardboard straw! LOL.
We all just gotta do what we can, and I feel Gillian’s points are: realize how much of your “unsustainable” sewing is actually really awesome for your own mental/emotional health and the world. <3
Yes, this. Not to mention that those small, incremental changes just happen to be actions which disproportionately target the poor, disabled and other marginalised groups. The guilt felt by so many commenters here is testament to the effectiveness of the message that personal responsibility trumps collective action.
I think that’s a good point about doing what we can, we recycle as much as poss in our household and don’t own a car. I buy fabric for specific projects in the main and generally I go for quality that will last and make things I’ll actually wear. I cut pattern pieces with as little waste as possible (for economy as well as hating waste) and try to re use scraps but have a bag that haunts me – I need to check whether U.K. H&M would take it for next time I have to go into town…thanks for writing this!
Hi Caroline, you can put your scraps in textile banks in the Uk – often in supermarket car parks, you can check locations on your local council website. H&M team up with one of a handful of companies that process textile waste, so it doesn’t really matter who you give it to – ends up in the same place. There’s a post on this on my blog http://timetosew.uk
So honest and true! I think one sustainable action helps balance out one not so sustainable! I think we live in a ‘throw away’ society that is geared towards consumption. It’s so hard! If your sewing isn’t sustainable…create a worm farm, stop using take away coffee cups or plastic straws!
(responding a bit because Gillian isn’t feeling well)
Excellent positive points! Thank you so much!
It’s interesting that so many people have expressed feeling guilt when it comes to the question of sustainable sewing–I’ve definitely felt this too–and it reminds me of the saying that “the perfect is the enemy of the good.” With sustainability and fashion/sewing, as a lot of people have acknowledged, the “perfect” isn’t actually achievable, if for no other reason than that the problems are so much greater than any one person can tackle with their isolated actions. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t still strive for and achieve some “good,” especially through careful reflection and critical thought, and this post is full of both of those. Judging ourselves against one fixed, imagined standard of sustainability is never going to lead to much. But staying open to the conversation, asking ourselves what makes sense for our individual context, and trying to do whatever that is as best we’re able seems very productive.
I save my scraps and either use freecycle to offer them to someone or donate to our local schools or adult learning for craft projects or use the scraps to stuff the dogs bed .
Well, I’m half sustainable. I do like to use material that already exists. But, when I do buy new fabric, I buy cheap and I know that’s not good. However, I only ever wear used or handmade (besides a few things like undergarments, socks, etc. that I’m not so good at making yet or just couldn’t make as good as is in the store). I’m big on repurposing stuff though. I have a lot of old rags I use to clean with and I’ve been known to stuff my throw pillows with fabric scraps. If a garment isn’t being worn or something, I may make it into something else.
Sent from my iPhone
Great post. I think making something you like, and wear and wear and wear, and then alter when it is no longer fit for purpose and wear and wear again, is definitely sustainable. If there is one rule of thumb for sustainability, it has to be ‘buy less’.
Here is a different point! the fact that we all sew our clothes…in whatever fashion we can…means we are NOT supporting even BIGGER corporations. It’s been years since I HAD to purchase anything for myself. I feel really good about THAT! And all my had sewn items with my label in it go to family and friends. So they have one LESS thing to buy as well! Just saying! 🙂
I think I’ve read this 5+ times. It’s so much how I feel about sewing that it’s hard to put into words. I make fewer garments than you do but I LOVE the act of sewing.
My wardrobe is over 90% handmade, and a lot of what is left is from my mom or grandmother. I purchased a new jacket last year and a few T-shirts.
I mend my husband’s pants, and a lot of my own clothes. I donate clothes to friends, who pass them around until they end up at a thrift store.
My scraps? Well, they’re a source of grumple for me. I made a bunch into rope, and now I have a giant thing of rope I don’t want to make into a bowl or bag. I collect some for patching, like denim. If it’s comfy knit, I’ll see if it’s enough for a sports bra. Otherwise, I throw out, donate or stuff dog toys.
Overall, I’m in this for the joy of sewing. I’m not perfect, or close, but that’s okay. I love my sewing.
The most “sustainable” thing that anyone can do is to not have children. (I have 2, so I totally understand the quandary.) Another sustainable thing to do is to provide the means and support to other people who don’t want to have (more) children do exactly that.
I predict you will break up with polyester when you start having hot flashes. I admit, some of the prettiest patterns I see are poly, but I feel like I’m wearing a plastic bag.
[…] Deborah Tyler on Confessions from an Unsustaina… […]
There is a fabulous solution to the SCRAPS PROBLEM – and it will not only ease your guilt, it will make you feel fantastic so that you BRAG about your scraps! No kidding! (And it adds to your sewing mojo!)
Animal shelters don’t like to use bedding because it’s so difficult to wash. Fillers tend to ball up or dissolve or worse. An easy solution is a fabric scrap bed. Because the entire bed (inside and outside) is made of fabric, it’s easy to stuff in a washing machine, load in a dryer – and it’s done. Even better, if the animal shelter has enough beds, they can send the animal home with its “own” bed, which helps the pup or kitty settle down into its new home better, because it has something safe and known.
And they’re incredibly easy to make! Use a smooth finish fabric, any fabric (polyester is fine!) just as long as there are no loops or similar for claws to get hooked into (so boucle is out, for example.) Fold it in half right sides together, sew from the one third mark to the end of one short side, carry on sewing around the other three sides, then finish with one third of the short side again, leaving the middle third open. I usually sew twice, for extra strength. Flip right side out and stuff with scraps. Sew opening closed and voila! One very happy abandoned pet, one very happy sewist.
If you have a bag of scraps every six months, it’s only 2 trips to the animal shelter per year – and don’t you feel good for taking care of the planet? 😉
Ok, that is GENIUS!!! And suits my anxiety much better than going to a mall. I’ll contact some local animal shelters today ! Thank you!