In her new book, Sewing Green, 25 Projects Made With Repurposed & Organic Materials, star seamstress, educator and environmental advocate Betz White brings us a series of projects perfect for the novice and the seasoned crafter alike. From pyjama pants and skirts to tote bags and comfortable throws, each project comes with beautiful photographs and easy to follow instructions.
Repurposed Materials
The recycling, upcycling and trashion movements are stronger than ever, with popular bloggers and fashionistas taking a DIY approach to crafts and couture. The goal is to leave a small carbon footprint by reusing and reinventing existing materials and objects, giving them new life instead of throwing them into the trash.
Trashion (or “upcycling”) aficionados add pizazz and glamour to existing garments by artfully destroying them and reconstructing them, turning commonplace clothes into fashion. Not only does trashion provide a great outlet for creativity, it does so in a frugal way. Cheap clothes are turned into couture, and inventive fashionistas happily share tips on how anyone can turn their own low-cost garments into designer look-alike pieces.
Environmentally Friendly Sewing
However, sewing green is not simply about turning clothes into better – or funkier – garments; worn fabric is cut and reused in quilts and patchwork skirts; dishrags become reusable shopping bags; threadbare towels are disassembled and pieced together to become toys for toddlers.
The benefits of using repurposed and organic materials are numerous. The projects are low-cost. Consumerism is kept to a minimum. Creativity and originality are high. And the result is lovingly-crafted one-of-a-kind items that add years to the life of the original object.
Sewing Green with Betz White
Betz White’s new book contains 25 projects that are not only earth-friendly, they are simply lovely. These are projects one can be proud of: White ensures that readers will learn new techniques, pick up good habits, and create heirlooms that can be passed from generation to generation.
Sewing Green is packed with step-by-step sewing instructions and patterns, but this is more than a simple sewing book. White profiles companies that are particularly kind to Mother Earth; honours movies that feature upcycling and recycling; and even gives readers tips on earth-friendly laundry practices.
In the end, Sewing Green is not simply a hobby; it is a way of life.
Sources
For more information about Betz White, her projects, workshops, and Sewing Green, visit BetzWhite.com.
To find out more about upcycling and thrifty fashions, visit OutsaPop.com or pick up Altered Couture magazine.
Andree Lachapelle - Andrée reviews books, movies and local events, and brings you essential beauty, fashion, travel and wedding planning tips.
Join the Conversation