So maybe today I'm not covering our regular Eco friendly practices. Instead, I want to talk about fabric.
Before I started sewing I enjoyed looking at fabric, but I never expected to become obsessed. When I took home ec in high school, I had my mom help me pick fabric since she knew what she was doing. When I decided to start my home business, it was initially extremely important to me to find organic fabrics with environmentally friendly inks. I really had no idea how difficult they would be to find or how expensive they would be. If I were making items that required solid colors or basic cotton prints, I would be golden. However, most of the items I make, particularly diapers, need to be made from fabric with a good stretch. I recently bought some fabric that was $27 a yard. To put that in perspective, some basic cottons are $3 a yard. I can usually make three large diapers from a yard, so you can imagine how expensive that is. So after I realized the startup expense was going to be astronomical for my business, I decided to buy some traditionally made fabrics and save money. And my conscience was eating me alive.
I am very happy to announce that all of my new purchases are certified organic, and they are all printed in responsible ways. The downside is that most of them also fade to a certain extent. Actually, I think that's a positive because I personally enjoy the vintage look of a slightly faded fabric. A good friend gave me some great advice, make what you like because someone else out there is bound to like it too. (Major paraphrasing, but that was the gist.)
So that leads me back to my starting point. I am obsessed with fabrics now. Today I discovered a designer called Lillestoff, and I am in love. Here's a small sampling
Bought a meter of this one
All are GOTS certified organic cotton knits. I want them allllll!
The second part of fabric shopping that is hard online is needing to feel it. I don't know why, but I feel fabric before I decide if I like the print (in real life shopping, obviously). I'm the kind of girl who needs Egyptian Cotton, high thread count sheets, and texture has always been really important. Ask my mom about socks when I was a preschooler.
So now you know, I'm a fabric addict.
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