We’ve been talking about reducing our fabric stashes so we can feel well stocked, but not overwhelmed. But once we’ve passed on the pieces of fabric that we honestly can’t see ourselves sewing, what are we meant to do with what’s left? How can we store it so that its contents are both accessible AND inspiring to us? I’ve developed an organisation method that I call the Seasonal Stash System. In this episode, I explain how it works so you can weigh up if it’s something that might work for you. Support the podcast over on Patreon!(image source: Mel Poole via Unsplash)**CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF VERSION OF THIS GUIDE**
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#182: How to Organise a Fabric Swap with Nike Baruwa
During the last few episodes we’ve been talking about reducing our fabric stashes: the idea being that our collection would then make us feel well stocked but not encumbered. But once you’ve selected the pieces that you can’t honestly see yourself sewing, what are you meant to do with them? There are a number of options, but fabric swaps have got to be one of the most fun AND most ethical ways of passing on what you no longer want. You might even pick up some new-to-you fabric that you’re inspired by, or even a couple of new sewing buddies! But if there aren’t any fabric swaps taking place in your location already, it might be on you to organise one. My guest this week, Nike Baruwa, is a maker who recently did just that for the very first time. I spoke with Nike before and after her fabric swap, and she shares what planning and considerations went into hers, and we’ll hear how it actually went! If you’re interested, or even on the fence, about planning a fabric swap, let Nike and this episode be your guide. Support the podcast over on Patreon!Follow Nike on Instagram (@sewlonglane). Nike was inspired to organise a fabric swap after visiting the London Destash Fabric Swap. Listen to the episode I made at that event:Ep. #144: London Destash Fabric Swap 2024The London Destash Fabric Swap was organised by Sarah from Olive Road London and Yvette from Stash Hub app.Sarah made a helpful YouTube video about how to organise a fabric swap. To help create connection and community between the attendees of her fabric swap, Nike created the hashtag #rotherhtithefabricswap.To get on Nike’s mailing list to hear about next year’s (and any other) event. Check out some photos taken at Nike’s fabric swap taken by photographer Wida (@__wida on Instagram):
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#181: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 2
How do you feel about your fabric collection? If there are any uncomfortable feelings that are preventing you from feeling excited and inspired by what you have, it might be time to consciously reduce how much you own. In Episode #180, we heard from a bunch of lovely CYT listeners who have successfully reduced their fabric stashes, and they shared what mindset shifts and practical steps worked for them. This episode is another installment of the same. Support the podcast over on Patreon!Image source: Ekaterina Grosheva via Unsplash)Listen to Part 1:Ep. #180: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 1 Huge thanks to Lindsay Ashworth Fraser (@lindsayashworthfraser on Instagram) for voicing some of the submissions.
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#180: Secrets of Successful Destashing, Part 1
Fabric collections elicit all sorts of feelings. Ideally, they're a source of inspiration that gets our creative juices flowing. But for some of us, especially when the amount we own is out of sync with the speed at which we sew, we might grow to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or even guilty about the resources we’ve accumulated. This episode is Part 1 of a practical deep dive into HOW to do it, so you can reach a point where your fabric stash feels well stocked but NOT overwhelmed. Support the podcast over on Patreon!Image source: Ekaterina Grosheva via Unsplash)Huge thanks to Lindsay Ashworth Fraser (@lindsayashworthfraser on Instagram) for voicing some of the submissions.
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#179: The Five Fabrics Rule with Judith Staley
As makers, we need materials to create with. And a love of beautiful textiles is often part of why we got into sewing in the first place. But as residents of a planet experiencing a climate and ecological crisis, we need to be mindful of what we’re consuming and how much. So is there a way to indulge in fabric purchasing that’s also inline with what’s best for our planet? My guest this week, Judith Staley, has recently implemented a system for herself that is backed by research called the rule of five, and it could be the answer for all of us! We also talk about Judith’s personal challenge to track everything she wore in 2024, and she shares what surprising and valuable insights she gleaned from it. Support the podcast over on Patreon!You can follow Judith on Instagram (@judithroaslind).Judith founded and co-hosted the @sewover50 account. Listen to Judith’s first appearance on Check Your Thread:Ep. #12: Sew Over 50 with Judith StaleyJudith is involved in The Water of Leith Conservation Trust. Read more about the Rule of Five as invented/interpretted by Tiffanie Darke. Judith discovered the concept via Gemma Metheringham’s excellent IG account, @the_elephant_in_my_wardrobe.The WRAP NGO is an excellent source of information about the impact of consumption, and how we can move towards a circular economy. The Hot Or Cool Institute is the source of the research that informed the Rule of Five. Read more about Judith’s interpretation of the Rule of Five. One tactic for reducing your fabric stash is to participate in the Last Sewist Standing challenge, invented by Lise Bauer. Judith makes most of her fabric purchases at Merchant & Mills. Hear from Tiffanie Darke about the Rule of Five on this podcast:Ep. 4, Season 2 of The Enoughness - Tiffanie Darke: How to be in fashion now, finding purpose, the joy of being less greedy. Judith also volunteers at The Remakery in Edinburgh. Previous-guest, Wendy Ward (@thatwendyward), is doing interesting work tracking the frequency of wear of her garments.Check out the 1908 diary (@the1908diary), an account run by Louise (@theknitnurse).Judith’s quarterly wardrobe tracking updates were posted to Instagram on:2nd April 2024
1st July 2024
1st October 2024
2nd January 2025Judith’s method for recording her garment wears:Read the article ‘Forget Fitness Tracking: Wardrobe Tracking is All the Rage in 2024’ by Emily Chan for Vogue, 21st January 2024.
- Do you love sewing, AND are passionate about fighting the climate and ecological crises?
- Are you wondering if your sewing could be made more sustainable?
- Do you want to enjoy your creative passion in a way that really reflects your values?
Join Zoe Edwards, a sewing nerd and creator of Me-Made-May, on her journey to explore how to sew (and live!) more sustainably.
In this podcast we discover ways to sew with sustainability in mind, by flexing our creativity and resourcefulness in new and exciting ways. Check Your Thread’s goal is to show that sewing more sustainably can be fun and fulfilling, (HOLD the side order of guilt, eco-snobbery and FOMO.)
Topics covered include:
-Mending and garment repair
-Upcycling and refashioning
-Natural fabric dyeing
-Fibre and fabric selection
-Slow stitching
-Zero Waste sewing patterns
-The social and political dimensions of sewing
-Craft as activism
Find out more...
checkyourthread.com
Australia