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As I begin this year of sewing my clothing rather than purchasing ready-made fair clothing, I want to be aware of my fabric's origins as much as possible. It is not the easiest task to find fairly grown + made fabric. Usually the origins of the fabric are simply not available to the consumer. I was able to find a few fabrics with a little bit more back story, so I thought I'd share.
Diamond Textiles :: "a fair-trade international textile distributer" :: a selection of 100% cotton fabrics found at Dry Goods Designs :: think Ace + Jig
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Alabama Chanin :: "100% organic cotton grown, spun, knit, and dyed in the United States" :: available in many beautiful colors, including indigos :: try one of the basic (or embellished) patterns available in Natalie Chanin's books (check the library)
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Foxfibre :: organic cotton grown in the USA + spun/woven in Japan :: would be gorgeous as a dress, loose pants, or even a full blown pair of jeans :: a lovely selection can be found at A Verb for Keeping Warm as well as on the Foxfibre site
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TN Textile Mill :: "handwoven and handcrafted [in Tennessee] fabrics predominately from domestically sourced cotton, wool, linen, and silk" :: try one of these special fabrics in conjunction with a tested pattern :: I just learned that this mill is closing. So sad. Snap some up, while you can!
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Spiritex :: Organic cotton grown in Texas :: spinning, knitting, finishing done within 150 miles of the North Carolina headquarters :: "We avoid bleached fibers by using a citrus scour for our naturals and a peroxide wash derived from apples for our whites. We use non-radioactive, heavy metal free, fiber-reactive dyes in a closed-loop system, preventing any toxic substances from being released into the external environment and allowing unfixed dye and water to be recycled."
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The New Denim Project :: fabric made from upcycled preconsumer denim waste in a fair factory in Guatemala :: these fabrics available at Dry Good Designs :: try a soft Grainline top or cardigan :: I hope to see a greater variety of this beautiful fabric available in the future!
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Hudson Textile :: Small, family-owned textile business using vintage American made machines :: natural + indigo dyed cotton :: can't wait to see more from this one!
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Hemp Traders :: free + fair trade suppliers :: hemp fabrics + hemp blends :: everything from hemp denim to hemp knits to hemp silk :: hemp from head to toe?
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Organic Cotton Plus :: organic fibers :: cotton, linen, peace silk (for your zero-waste dental floss + party dress), wool, knits, blends, etc. :: not necessarily fair trade, but organic, natural fibers
Bolt has a selection of "sustainable fibers".
List of ethical + organic fabric suppliers.
Buy + sell secondhand fabrics.
I love that there are some fair options out there, and hopefully our choices will grow as awareness + demand grows. We may decide to do our best and come as close to entirely fair as we can. Supporting a local fabric shop is a positive action. There is no substitute for feeling fabric and seeing color in person. I sure don't want my local shop to disappear! Asking the shop owners for what we are looking for might spark an interest in buying some fair fabrics...or in their prodding the industry toward fair. I look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp. Lyocell and tencel are derived from trees. Wool is lovely for garments that don't need to be washed often, like coats. Bamboo + soy are also options. Organic fibers, natural dyes, and local sourcing are even better.
Though I don't know exactly what conditions this khadi cotton was made under, it is organic cotton that was "hand-spun, hand-woven, and naturally dyed in India". Khadi cotton has a history with Ghandi, who encouraged his people to weave + use it as resistance.
Thrifted garments or sheets can be great sources of fabric too, just be aware that the fabric can deteriorate in the wash if it is older. (I've learned from experience.) We have a shop in our city that is a thrift store just for craft supplies. We can donate our unwanted supplies + shop for fabric and other supplies. Isn't that great!? Check to see if you have one too!
As I get started thinking about my own sewing, I'm first using what I already have. I have a few pieces of fabric that were bought for specific projects that were never made. I also like to reimagine pieces in my own closet. A top of mine might become a smaller top for Julia. A fabric swap with a crafty friend would be a treat too...wouldn't that be a great idea for a craft store?
Have you come across any fair fabrics? Please share!! :)
Love,
Jane
List of ethical + organic fabric suppliers.
Buy + sell secondhand fabrics.
I love that there are some fair options out there, and hopefully our choices will grow as awareness + demand grows. We may decide to do our best and come as close to entirely fair as we can. Supporting a local fabric shop is a positive action. There is no substitute for feeling fabric and seeing color in person. I sure don't want my local shop to disappear! Asking the shop owners for what we are looking for might spark an interest in buying some fair fabrics...or in their prodding the industry toward fair. I look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp. Lyocell and tencel are derived from trees. Wool is lovely for garments that don't need to be washed often, like coats. Bamboo + soy are also options. Organic fibers, natural dyes, and local sourcing are even better.
Though I don't know exactly what conditions this khadi cotton was made under, it is organic cotton that was "hand-spun, hand-woven, and naturally dyed in India". Khadi cotton has a history with Ghandi, who encouraged his people to weave + use it as resistance.
Thrifted garments or sheets can be great sources of fabric too, just be aware that the fabric can deteriorate in the wash if it is older. (I've learned from experience.) We have a shop in our city that is a thrift store just for craft supplies. We can donate our unwanted supplies + shop for fabric and other supplies. Isn't that great!? Check to see if you have one too!
As I get started thinking about my own sewing, I'm first using what I already have. I have a few pieces of fabric that were bought for specific projects that were never made. I also like to reimagine pieces in my own closet. A top of mine might become a smaller top for Julia. A fabric swap with a crafty friend would be a treat too...wouldn't that be a great idea for a craft store?
Have you come across any fair fabrics? Please share!! :)
Love,
Jane
