Fashion Revolution 2016 - I Make My Clothes

Flashback Summer - Fashion Revolution 2016 - Makers

It's Fashion Revolution week!


This is the week dedicated to looking specifically at the issues plaguing the clothing industry and how we as everyday Janes and Joes can go about changing things for the better.  The week is hosted by Fashion Revolution, a non-profit organization created in the wake of the 2013 Rana Plaza Complex collapse that killed over 1,100 garment industry workers and injured over 2,500.  This event awakened many of us in the world to the reality of abuse and greed in the clothing supply chain, and we began looking at the brands we love, the factories that produce clothing, and our own habits to see how we can make things better.


We believe that fashion can be made in a safe, clean and beautiful way. Where creativity, quality, environment and people are valued equally.   - Fashion Revolution


But some of you may be like me... Mostly, you make your clothes. You buy vintage.  You make do and mend.  You're already doing many of the things that are recommended for revolutionizing the industry.  But that doesn't mean we're off the hook!  We can do better, and we can help others do better!


I'm pleased to say that In the Folds and Petit à Petit already thought of this, and this week they're coming at this fashion revolution from a maker's viewpoint.  I'm joining in and will be posting on IG and on the blog this week on the issue, and I'll be adding in a vintage-wearer's two cents while I'm at it!


(I strongly urge you to read the post from In the Folds about the meaning of this week. It's got an overview, explanation, and list of resources you can check out to learn more about the garment industry.)


Every day this week there will be a "prompt" posted by In the Folds on an aspect of the revolution.  I'm sharing my thoughts, as well as weaving in my ideas as a vintage wearer.  Today is:



Flashback Summer - Fashion Revolution 2016 - Makers

Although not all of you are sewists, I know that many of you do identify.   You may also be a crocheter, knitter, weaver, milliner, etc.  There are many ways to make clothes!  Whether you have made all of your wardrobe or just a few accessories, making your own clothing is an amazing way to revolutionize the fashion industry.

Sewing has allowed me to rebel against the standardized sizing of fashion in the U.S. that doesn't generally fit me as a petite woman.  It has also given me the freedom to wear what I want instead of having to choose from what is available. It also makes the vintage styles I love more affordable and durable, rather than buying original vintage all the time.  Making my own clothing is just the best!


However, making my own clothing doesn't let me off the hook when it comes to revolutionizing the garment industry.


I do still buy some things off the rack.  Socks, t-shirts, and underwear especially.  Not to mention, I also use fabric made in factories.  Just because I step into the clothing production chain at a sooner point than others doesn't mean I don't play a part in it.


So, as a maker, I still have a responsibility in this cause.  Here are my personal three action steps relating to my role as a clothing maker.



Flashback Summer - Fashion Revolution 2016 - Makers

What are your thoughts on this Fashion Revolution Week?  If you are a clothing maker, how can you still impact change in the clothing industry?  Do you have any sources of secondhand or ethically made fabric you especially love?

10 comments

  1. One of my biggest frustrations as I learned more about ethical fashion is that I had no idea wherey fabric came from (and therefore could guess where it came from). I am think the biggest role I take is definitely that of educator: I try to talk to people about the cost of cheap fashion. But I do feel that I could do more!

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    1. Dude, me too! I realized that as well; I have no idea where my fabric comes from (barring a couple brands), and I don't know many sources to find ethically made fabric. I'm working on fixing that.

      And that educator role is so important! I've found many of my non-sewing friends have no idea how long it takes to make a clothing item. "Yeah, it would take me, like, 4 hours to make that shirt, and you only paid $4 for it. That's a buck an hour for just labor... People can't survive on that!"

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  2. I'm just starting to learn about all this but I have noticed that a lot of the fabrics sold by Girl Charlie are made in California. I have bought fabric from them a couple of times.

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    1. Oooo, that's very good to know! The "Made in America" line by Joann is also made here. I'm still learning about all of this, too, especially about where to source fabrics.

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  3. A lot of the fabric I use is preloved, either hand me down stash, opshop, or old garments I'm upcycling. As for the fabric I buy new, I have very little idea! I usually buy from Asian fabric shops, as I find they have a really good range/really good price, and I like supporting small businesses when I can. Though nothing is really labelled with fibre content or price, let alone place of origin.

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    1. Right?! I still encounter that problem at bigger fabric shops; not all fabrics are marked with a place of origin. And even if they are... I don't know if people there are treated well as they make the fabric. I'm still working on finding this sort of info!

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  4. I am with you! I am a sewer and blogger and have releaesd a wonderful book about "ReDesign"- Making new from your worn clothes in a very modern and stylish way. It´s revolutionary today when people care about their own style, making exactly the clothes they need instead of buying available pieces. I will mention you in my post so that people can read it, too. Best wishes from designer, blogger and writer Sonja aka Frau Jona&son from Austria. http://www.haupt.ch/Verlag/Buecher/Gestalten/Textildesign-Mode/ReDesign.html

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  5. Great article, good to see you taking part in the Fashion Revolution. I really like your action list it's a great quick tip to the post.

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    1. Thanks, Akram! I'm glad you like that part, too. I always feel weird when I'm moved by something but have no idea what to do about it.

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