Sustainable sewing has become a huge topic in the community over the last two years! There are so many ways to approach the topic, and deep feelings connected, and sometimes getting started can feel overwhelming. Today we are rounding up some of our favourite resources, discussions and posts that will help you dip a toe in the water.
Sewcialists
Last November we hosted a Sustainable Sewing theme month, using the #sustainablesewcialists on Instagram! The discussions were really fascinating, from sustainable fabric production to refashioning, reusing, and mindful sewing. You can read all of our posts here, or check out a few highlights:
- What does sustainability mean to you?
- The Meaningful Wardrobe
- Confessions of an Unsustainable Sewist
- Keira’s Ocean Trash Upcycle
- Interested in Sustainable Sewing?
As you may have noticed on Instagram, New Craft House hosted #SewYourselfSustainable last month. It is a series of daily prompts that you could also use anytime about sustainable sewing.
There are quite a few hashtags for sustainable sewing on instagram, so here are some popular ones to get you started:
Blogs and People to Follow:
Kate from @TimeToSew / http://timetosew.uk/ is a past Sewcialists Editor who delves into the big questions of sewing sustainably on her blog and Instagram feed. Her posts are well-researched and thoughtful!
Alex from @Sewrendipity / https://sewrendipity.com/ is a past Great British Sewing Bee contestant who shares knowledge from her day job in sustainable fashion production, as well as her fashion-forward modern minimalist wardrobe!
How does sustainability play a role in your sewing? Is it something you think of a lot, or rarely? We hope that these resources help get you started if it’s a topic you want to explore… and if it’s already a passion, please share your other recommendations down below!
I enjoy the September’s prompts.
Me too! Lots of food for thought!
Elizabeth Haywood is about to or has just released a book on zero waste design… some examples of her prior garments is on her blog the craft of clothes
Thank you!
I saw the Elizabeth Haywood post about her book. @suestony also posts about zero waste designs as she learns more!
Excellent! Zero waste is so fascinating! (For example, could a zero waste pattern ever be multisize? How would it handle plus sizes?
Good questions! There is lots to learn yet!
I think about this every day! Mostly because I sew every day! My scraps concern me as to where they go; new projects, stuffing, or shared with other sewists. I do feel extremely proud that since I’ve been following Sewcialists…I’ve begun to sew more for myself and family. I think about needs, verses greeds. I also think about the fibers I use. Personally I love all natural and would live my life surrounded by cotton and linen and bamboo. But my grandchildren have real sensitivity issues and require the softest fabrics out there. I am torn when they show me what they would prefer. But, I still can make quality clothes that last and get upcycled to other family. I am much wiser today than when I started. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me. I feel empowered and humbled by the experience. <3 <3 <3
Aw, Danita, that is the most lovely tribute! Thank you! I’ve learned so much along the way too!
Thanks for the shoutout Gillian, feeling very privileged to have been a Sewcialist editor and on your list!
Come back any time for Round Two!!! <3
[…] so it’s no wonder sustainability is a hot topic in sewing and fashion. We recently posted a round up of sustainability resources that is a great place to start. If you are looking to go deeper into the topic, our former editor […]