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Friday, October 4, 2013

Fast Fashion Fix

Personally, I find fast fashion about as appetizing as fast food - so when I was contacted about a short video regarding the subject, I was very interested in what they might have to say.

The Business of Fast Fashion” is a quick look at what consumer demand for new and cheap fashion has created – two million tons of waste per year.



This is not a new subject for the sewing blogosphere, but still a very important one.

I would like to think that I am not adding to the problem by making my own clothing and avoiding retail chains like H&M.  But what about all of the resources and energy used to create the fabrics that I purchase?

Is there any hope that the general public will start demanding quality instead of quantity?

As Halloween approaches, I cannot help but think of all the cheap costumes and paraphernalia that will be trashed after a single use - it is downright depressing.    

For my part, I will continue to make my own clothing because of the enjoyment I derive from the process.  And I will laugh as I pull garments out of my closet that I have worn since high school that are still going strong. 

Why is it acceptable to produce and sell a t-shirt that will not last through one or two wash cycles?    

In fifty years, will any “vintage” clothing from the year 2013 exist? 

Any thoughts?

8 comments:

  1. So important! I hope the message spreads like wildfire!

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  2. Very true. Completely agree. By the way, do you happen to sell any clothes that you make?

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  3. I was just thinking the other day, when hanging up laundry, just how long I have had most of my clothing. It is amazing how long the dresses I sew last compared to store purchased items...not that I can find dresses to purchase for everyday wear anymore. After 7 years they do not have seams or hems that are coming apart and the fabrics still look good. I hear comments that it isn't cheaper to sew your own clothing. I think that in the long run it is cheaper as things I make last longer and look nicer longer. I don't sew the types of clothing you do, just everyday things, but have really enjoyed seeing your construction methods. Someday I am going to get around to buying some snug hug!

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  4. So true in many ways. I sew for individuality, quality and creative satisfaction. Looking out over a crowd of people I noticed that there is a "uniform". If you don't sew and create your own you are relegated to wear whatever is placed in stores to buy . ADHD comes to mind regarding Fast Fashion. Instant gratification and on to the next.

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  5. That's a lot of the reasons why I don't buy any cheap, mass produced clothing.

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  6. This is a major reason I sew for my family. I would probably make a few things for us and our home anyway, because I love sewing, but I do it a lot more now with the realization of where most clothes come from and who is having to make them. I have thought about where my fabric comes from and am conflicted. I think it is still better to sew, but do wish there were affordable options for buying fabric that was made in a reputable way/place. If you have any suggestions on where to purchase fabric not made in sweatshops, I would love to know about them.

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  7. If I had a dollar for every time I've pondered that last point (will today's mass marketed, shoddy quality clothing last for decades to come and/or have any kind of serious collectors market it if it does), I'd be able to buy up everything on my etsy wish list right now. I tend to think the answer is, not much at all. Yes, high end designer, quality handmade, perhaps some sturdy shoes and boots, and few garments here and there will survive and likely have a following, but I'd venture to guess that the vast majority of the clothing hanging in closets the world over right now, will be burred far beneath stack of rubbish in landfills 50 years from now - not being highly sought after the way items from 50, 60, 70+ years ago is today.

    ♥ Jessica

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  8. This whole concept is preaching to the choir as far as I'm concerned, since I haven't bought any RTW for several years now, and I've never been inside a Zara or H&M, but I DO question my fabric purchases, and want to move towards a more conscious method of fabric shopping. I admit that's still a hard one for me....

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