Recycling

I often get asked “where do you get your fabric from?” Seriously?, I understand people are curious and want transparency but this isn’t an easy question to answer. Plus, I’d be a total idiot to give away my suppliers wouldn’t I?…at least that’s what I was taught by a wonderful product manager I learnt from! I will say though, honestly, that textiles arrive from a large array of very different places. I purchase from businesses, individuals and other organisations.

Some textiles are occasionally gifted by kind neighbours, acquaintances, friends and family. I hardly never say no – am trying to operate a kind of textile rescue service, wanting to find new homes for unwanted fabric. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure of course, as we all know.

Hard work and physical – sometimes lifting 20+ kilo sacks of fabric.

Heavy wet velvet large curtains can be extremely heavy.

I’ve dislocated my shoulders putting curtains on the rotary line more than once.

Time consuming. Lots and lots of unpicking.

Loads of hemming.

Oodles of patience.

Challenging in winter. Trying to work in limited light to sew, take photos and inspect products.

Attempting to grab good weather days when fabric can go outside and if not try to manage humidity in the house as washing dries (I’ve got a very good dehumidifier).