Quick post to grab the moment. I found myself watching this very compelling video in the JC Report. The designer talks about how wasteful the fashion industry is - with products, fabrics and everything going round the world, sitting in transport and so on for only $10 profit. I really do have a problem with our globalised system mainly because of the huge carbon impact of moving all these products around the globe all the time. So this cool very NY label, Sans have started selling their own patterns. You download the pattern and print it off on your home printer, chose the fabric and make it at home. Much more low carbon and much cheaper!
I spent a large part of my teenage years pouring over pattern books at my local Army and Navy department store in Guildford (and yes I did get out too). They don't sell these anymore, though the recession-busting boom in 'crafting' as it's now called may change all that. I learnt much of my sewing skills by sewing my way through mostly uninspiring patterns. The design skills came from being able to look at a normally frumpy pattern and see the potential - adjust it and tweak it to fit my ideas.
On a similar note, I'm slightly embarassed to be infatuated with Kirsty Allsop's Home Made Home. I can't get enough of this crafting. That reminds me that what I should be doing now, instead of blogging, is making bunting. I've nearly finished making 60 metres of bunting for my wedding next week.
Oh I'm so behind here but huge congratulations on your wedding, I hope it was wonderful and the bunting all complete.
I love the Sans link, I had not come across them before and I might just have a go at that dress (or rather, a longer version of that dress).
Posted by: Rebecca | June 22, 2009 at 01:35 PM