Did earth day get you thinking about ways you can make your passion a little greener? Here are a few things you can change to make your hobby easier on Mother Earth!
1. Change what fabrics you use for your projects!
Consider sourcing them second hand in the form of clothes or linens, you can shop at thrift stores or dig through your own closet!
If you really need new fabric (or have worries about second hand) consider buying deadstock or organic natural materials. Deadstock is just new fabric that never sold and has been sitting in a warehouse all this time.
2. Plan your projects!
When you buy fabric, make sure that you only buy as much as you need for the project you're making! If you're sewing from an industrial pattern, you will find yardage estimates on the back of the envelope or you can google fabric yardage estimates for the type of project you're doing. This will save you SO much money too!
Try not to buy fabric (new from a fabric/craft store) without having a project for it, this makes sure noting goes to waste!
When using any pattern (internet, self-drafted, or industrial) play around with the layout to minimize unusable fabric scraps. That way if you have leftover fabric, you have the biggest, most contiguous piece possible! You can often get better layouts than industrial patterns recommend, just make sure that you're still following grainlines as needed!
3. Save your scraps!
It might be tempting to toss any lingering small scraps of fabric or thread clippings, but those supplies add up so quickly!
You can use your small and medium sized scraps for so many fun projects! You can give quilting a try, use them for appliques and embellishments, fabric beads, toys, pins, or bracelets! There's loads of tutorials out there, just look for scrap busting projects!
I recommend keeping a small container near your sewing machine so you can add any threads or small clippings as you sew. I use a k-cup! Then I transfer them to a larger jar to be used as stuffing later!
4. Maintain and repair your tools!
My sewing machine and my fabric scissors are essential and if they aren't cleaned, looked after, or sharpened then my sewing time can get frustrating!
Some sewing machines (especially older models) were built to be maintained by their owners! See if your manual has a section for home maintenance (usually cleaning and oiling) or if you're missing a manual try looking online to see if you can find one you can read.
If you don't feel up to tinkering in your machine you can take it to a sewing machine repair shop or your sewing machine vendor if you bought a new one locally. These shops are becoming a bit of a rarity, so be sure to support them! I take my machine in about once a year for cleaning and to keep it running smoothly. Ingrid (my machine) is due for her spa day!
I remember I asked someone running a local fabric shop where she got her fabric scissors sharpened and she replied "I throw them away and buy new ones when they get dull." I was honestly HORRIFIED! She must go through so many scissors, spend so much money!! You can often take any scissors to get sharpened at a vaccum or sewing machine repair shop if you have one near you or take them to a knife sharpening shop. I have only ever paid 10-15$ to sharpen my scissors (that's usually ALL my scissors, 3-4 pairs). If your scissors need to be repaired it may be closer to 20-50$, this should really only be done for a quality pair of shears (something like Ginghers or Guggenheins) for it to be worth it.
5. Sew to endure!
If you're spending all this time sewing or upcycling a garment, it's worth it to use the best finishing techniques that you can so that it will hold up longer. French seams or pinking shears do wonders for most projects! These techniques take a little longer than some of the sewing hacks you see around, but you won't have to worry about it only lasting one wash!
You can also keep in mind the quality of your materials- a forever 21 top may not have as much life left to give for an upcycle as a vintage top or quality brand.
There's always trends, sewing is no different! Sew things that are classic staples or items that pair well with your wardrobe and style. I always ask "will I still want to use this in 10 years or will it be dated?" My go to garments to create or repair are sheath and A-line dresses!
I hope this has given you a few ideas to make your sewing habits greener! Tag me on Instagram if you try any out! You can also like Sunny Salvage on Facebook and follow me on Pinterest for more upcycling ideas!
Until next time!
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