Threads of Sustainability – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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In Episode 46 of Threads of Sustainability, we sit down with Kate Hay of Quilt with Miss Kate, who brings over 15 years of experience in the quilt industry. Kate’s journey has taken her from working the cutting table to managing Virginia’s largest quilt shop, Patchwork Plus, and serving as the Moda/Ruby Star Society representative for the southeast. Her extensive background provides a unique and valuable perspective on the quilting world.

In this episode, Kate shares her transformation from a one-time glorifier of overconsumption of fabric and notions to an advocate for destashing and intentional fabric-buying practices. Discover how reducing her fabric stash has created mental space and enhanced her creativity. Kate offers insights into the benefits of stash blasting and how these practices can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable quilting experience.

Tune in to hear Kate’s inspiring story and learn practical tips for managing your fabric stash, embracing sustainable quilting practices, and fostering creativity through intentionality. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.

Key Topics:

• Kate’s extensive experience in the quilt industry
• Transition from overconsumption to intentional fabric buying
• Benefits of destashing and stash blasting
• Enhancing creativity through sustainable practices
• Practical tips for managing your fabric stash

Join us for an insightful conversation with Kate and explore how embracing intentional quilting can lead to a more sustainable and creative journey in the world of textiles. Don’t miss this episode filled with wisdom and inspiration from a true industry expert.

Instagram: @quiltwithmisskate
TikTok: @quiltwithmisskate

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In this episode of Threads of Sustainability, we delve into the innovative world of FeelGood Fibers with founder Kim Soper. The concept of FeelGood Fibers emerged from a simple observation: the lack of a centralized marketplace for buying and selling secondhand fabrics within the sewing community.

Kim shares the journey behind FeelGood Fibers, which was sparked by the abundance of destash sales on Instagram feeds. Recognizing the inconvenience of accessing these fabrics unless one followed specific destashers, Kim envisioned a solution – a single platform where sewists could easily destash and purchase secondhand fabrics online.

FeelGood Fibers was born out of a passion for fabric and a belief that destashing fabric should be hassle-free and accessible to all. Kim's vision transformed into a vibrant online destination where sewists can browse various secondhand fabrics, fostering sustainability and community within the sewing world.

Join us as we explore the ethos behind FeelGood Fibers, its impact on sustainable sewing practices, and the journey of creating a centralized hub for fabric enthusiasts to destash and shop easily. Tune in to discover how FeelGood Fibers is revolutionizing how we approach fabric destashing in the sewing community.

Website: https://feelgoodfibers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelgoodfibers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feelgoodfibers

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In Episode 36, we are thrilled to welcome Amari Thomsen of Next Gen Quilting to the podcast! Amari is a modern, millennial quilter based in San Francisco, CA, who has a passion for creating sustainable and budget-friendly quilts that not only benefit the planet but also your wallet.

As a talented quilter, Amari specializes in using up-cycled and zero-waste sewing solutions, infusing her craft with a deep commitment to environmental consciousness. Through her work, she explores innovative ways to repurpose materials and minimize waste, leaving a positive impact on the environment.

Amari's unique approach to quilting embraces budget-friendly hacks that allow you to save money while creating stunning, modern quilts. She believes that the art of quilting should be accessible to everyone, and she's on a mission to inspire and empower others to embark on their quilting journey.

Join us as we delve into Amari's creative process, learn about her sustainable quilting techniques, and discover how she merges artistry with eco-consciousness. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or a curious beginner, Amari's insights and passion for quilting will leave you inspired to explore the world of sustainable and budget-friendly quilting. Tune in to this enriching conversation with Amari Thomsen of Next Gen Quilting!

Instagram: @nextgenquilting

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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Join us in this episode of Threads of Sustainability as we sit down with the multi-talented Sam Hunter. An award-winning fiber artist, quilt pattern designer (Hunter's Design Studio), European textile tour host (The Embroidered Journey), and small business project management coach (Creatively Sorted).

Sam is more than just a creative force – she's a passionate advocate for fair compensation in the craft industry. Her commitment to ensuring that all small craft business owners receive the recognition and pay they deserve is truly inspiring.

During our conversation, we dive into Sam's artistic journey, her innovative quilt designs, and her mission to empower fellow creatives. Discover how Sam's advocacy for fair compensation is reshaping the craft landscape, and hear her insights on sustainability within the quilting world.

Tune in to this episode to learn from Sam's experiences, get inspired by her dedication, and gain valuable insights into the world of fiber arts, business, and equitable compensation.

#ThreadsofSustainability #FiberArtist #QuiltDesigner #TextileTourHost #SmallBusinessCoach #FairCompensation #CraftIndustryAdvocate #SustainableCrafting #CreativeEmpowerment #InnovativeDesigns

Website: Sam Hunter Design Studio
Website: Creatively Sorted

We Are $ew Worth It

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In this episode, we're diving into the world of natural dyeing with Winona Quigly from Green Matters Dye Co. Join us as we unravel the fascinating process of transforming plants and natural materials into eco-friendly dyes.

Winona is a passionate advocate for sustainability in the textile industry. She shares her journey of falling in love with natural dyeing and how it led her to create Green Matters Dye Co—a platform that offers a wide range of natural dyes, workshops, and resources for natural dyers.

Throughout the episode, we explore the history of natural dyeing and its cultural significance. Winona shares her expertise on dyeing techniques, the magic of plant-based colors, and how natural dyeing can be a transformative experience.

We delve into the sustainable benefits of natural dyeing, including reduced environmental impact, biodegradability, and supporting local communities. Winona's commitment to using ethically-sourced, regeneratively harvested plant materials shines through as she reveals her approach to building a responsible and eco-conscious dyeing practice.

Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of natural dyeing and discover the artistry, beauty, and sustainability behind Green Matters Dye Co. Get inspired to infuse your textile creations with the colors of nature and make a positive impact on the planet.

Don't miss this episode that's sure to leave you feeling inspired to explore the wonderful world of natural dyeing with Winona Quigly from Green Matters Dye Co.

#NaturalDyeing #GreenMatters #EcoFriendlyDyes #SustainableTextiles #PlantBasedColors #RegenerativePractices #SustainableArtisans #ConsciousConsumers #SustainableLiving #TextileCrafting #PodcastEpisode #InspiringConversations

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In this episode, we are thrilled to have Our Social Fabric as our special guest. Our Social Fabric is a remarkable non-profit fabric recycling initiative dedicated to creating a future where no usable fabric ends up in Canadian landfills. Their mission is truly inspiring!

As a fabric recycling initiative, Our Social Fabric collects donated fabric and sewing-related materials from a variety of sources, including film and theatre productions, wholesalers, manufacturers, and individuals. By rescuing these materials, they prevent them from ending up in landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future.

In 2022 alone, Our Social Fabric kept over 34,000 lbs of materials out of landfill, which is an incredible achievement. But their impact doesn't stop there! They make these materials available for sale to the general public both online and in person, offering them at up to 75% less than regular retail prices. This not only makes sewing more accessible but also promotes affordability and reduces waste in the textile industry.

You can visit their brick-and-mortar store in Vancouver for their weekly in-person sales, or conveniently shop online 24 hours a day on their website. With shipping services across Canada, they make it easy for everyone to support their mission and contribute to a more sustainable and affordable sewing community.

Join us as we dive deep into the work and vision of Our Social Fabric. Discover how they are revolutionizing the fabric industry, promoting sustainability, and making a difference in the lives of countless sewists and craft enthusiasts.

You can find them online here: Our Social Fabric
On Instagram here: @oursocialfabric
ON Facebook here: @oursocialfabric

You can also join their Facebook Group

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Crispina ffrench, an environmental optimist and textile alchemist who helps recycled textile artists become successful entrepreneurs. Since the 80s, Crispina has been upcycling discarded clothing and manufacturers' waste, turning them into magical creations. Her journey began during art school, driven by her love for crafting and respect for the environment.

Crispina's path hasn't always been smooth but has led to remarkable achievements. She collaborated with Patagonia, received the SBA Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award, and pioneered manufacturers' waste recovery. Her passion goes beyond making money – she aims to raise awareness of textile waste without blame, promote environmental support, and inspire positive action.

During our conversation, Crispina also shared her recent experience at the Rags to Riches Textile Upcycling Summit, where she delivered an awe-inspiring keynote address. Her review of the summit highlighted the incredible potential of recycled textile art and the positive impact it can have on our planet.

Join us as Crispina recounts her journey, from eating ice cream with Ben and Jerry to meditating with Ram Dass. She has worked with renowned brands, authored a teaching book, and developed Eileen Fisher's ReNew Program. Crispina's life is filled with adventures, from walking Havana's streets with her son to dancing all night with Mountain Girl.

Don't miss this inspiring episode, where Crispina ffrench shows us how recycled textile art can create beauty while making a difference. Discover her wisdom, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit as she encourages you to pursue your dreams and live a fulfilling life.

Connect with Crispina:
Website: www.crispina.com
Instagram: @crispinaffrench
Facebook: @crispinaffrenchartist
Twitter: @Crispinaffrench

#RecycledTextiles #TextileArtists #Entrepreneurship #EnvironmentalOptimism #Upcycling #Sustainability #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode #RagsToRichesSummit

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

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In this special episode, we have a heartfelt conversation between Threads of Sustainability host Bridget O'Flaherty and her son Jasper. Bridget shares how sustainability is an integral part of her life and the growth of the podcast over the past year.

Join us as Bridget reflects on her personal journey of embracing sustainability in her everyday life. From making conscious choices in fashion and consumerism to adopting eco-friendly practices and her off-grid home.  Bridget's commitment to sustainability shines through. 

Bridget and Jasper delve into the origins of the Threads of Sustainability podcast and how it has evolved over time. Together, they explore the impact the podcast has had on raising awareness and inspiring action within the textile community.

Throughout the episode, Bridget highlights some of the most memorable moments and interviews from the past year. From engaging conversations with renowned experts to touching stories of individuals making a difference, the podcast has provided a platform for important discussions surrounding sustainability.

As the conversation unfolds, Bridget shares the vision for the future of the Threads of Sustainability podcast, including plans for upcoming episodes and exciting collaborations to further amplify the message of sustainability.

Join Bridget and Jasper as they celebrate a year of growth, learning, and inspiring change on the Threads of Sustainability podcast. Together, they invite you to continue the journey towards a more sustainable textile practice.

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

Send us a text

In this episode, we delve into the world of organic textiles and specifically focus on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Our guest sheds light on the challenges and realities of meeting organic textile standards and emphasizes the importance of not dismissing organic textiles due to the presence of certain chemicals. We discuss the historical impact of synthetic dyes on textile production and the subsequent recovery towards more sustainable practices.

The conversation delves into the significance of certifications like GOTS and their role in ensuring ethical and sustainable fabric production. We explore the growth of GOTS-certified facilities over the years, highlighting the increasing demand for transparency and traceability in the textile industry. Our guest shares insights into the certification process and the role of third-party certification bodies in auditing and verifying compliance.

We also touch upon the efforts to develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to measure the impact of GOTS-certified textiles, including water savings and improved livelihoods. We discuss the importance of data and the ongoing quest to collect meaningful information on the industry's sustainability progress.

Join us as we explore the journey of GOTS and the broader landscape of organic textiles. Discover how these standards are driving positive change in the industry and empowering consumers to make informed choices about the fabrics they purchase.

ABOUT GOTS

GOTS is the stringent voluntary global standard for the entire post-harvest processing (including spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, and manufacturing) of apparel and home textiles made with certified organic fibre (such as organic cotton and organic wool), and includes both environmental and social criteria.

Key provisions include a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), highly hazardous chemicals (such as azo dyes and formaldehyde), and child labour, while requiring strong social compliance management systems and strict wastewater treatment practices.

GOTS was developed by leading international standard setters - Organic Trade Association (U.S.), Japan Organic Cotton Association, International Association Natural Textile Industry (Germany) and Soil Association (UK) to define globally-recognised requirements that ensure the organic status of textiles, from field to finished product.

GOTS is a non-profit organisation which is self-financed. 

For more information please visit www.global-standard.org and follow @globalorganictextilestandard on LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook.

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid

Send us a text

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the talented Radha Weaver, the creative force behind Sewing Through Fog. Radha's extensive background in the apparel and textile industry, spanning over 15 years, gives her a unique perspective on the world of quilting and sustainability.

We kick off our conversation by delving into Radha's career journey and what led her to transition into the world of quilting. We explore the factors that prompted her to change directions and how her experiences in the fast fashion industry influenced her decision to focus on repurposed and upcycled fabrics in her quilting practice.

As we dive deeper, Radha generously shares her expertise on what it truly means to quilt sustainably. We explore the intricacies of using repurposed fabrics and the importance of approaching it in a thoughtful and ethical way. Radha's insights and tips will inspire both seasoned quilters and those new to the craft to embrace sustainability and make conscious choices in their own quilting projects.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Radha Weaver, as she sheds light on the world of modern quilting with repurposed and upcycled fabrics. Get ready to be inspired by her passion and knowledge as she helps us navigate the intersection of creativity and sustainability. Don't miss out on the invaluable wisdom shared in this episode!

Radha Weaver

Sewing through Fog is the modern quilter's resource for quilting with repurposed and upcycled fabrics.

Join Radha as she shares her unique expertise and passion, fueled by a 15-year career in the apparel and textile industry and a front seat to the rise of fast fashion.

https://www.sewingthroughfog.com/

@sewingthroughfog

Download Radha's free guide to quilting your closet: www.Sewingthroughfog.com/quiltyourcloset

Support the show

Follow Bridget O'Flaherty @thesustainablequilter on Instagram and @thesustainablequilter on Facebook.

You can find her online at www.bridgetoflaherty.com

Thanks to Isaac Matthews for the music, follow him on Instagram @hesjustakid