February is traditionally the month of summer wear “Fashion Week” events held in Paris, Milan, New York and London. Designers present their latest collections. Shows are attended by celebrities, models, the media and, of course, buyers. The latest trends – colours, patterns, silhouettes – are adapted into clothing that is manufactured at a price point that is more affordable for the average consumer. And of course, the designs are modified to become more wearable on a day-to-day basis. Then the whole process starts up once again for winter wear Fashion Week events in September.
(photo by @ann.winslow, courtesy of Jems Boutique, PEI)
It's fun, it certainly piques our curiosity, and it is designed to make us want to toss out last year’s fashion must-haves and load up on the latest and most desirable, on-trend items. Some retailers offer new clothing collections 12-24 times per year!
Did you know that, in North America, the average piece of clothing is worn only 4 times before it ends up in landfill? And most of it, including footwear, has been created out of petroleum-based, non-biodegradable synthetics. Recycling clothing is a wonderful concept but only 1% of all clothing is recycled into new garments. Most donated clothing ends up in landfills overseas.
Did you know that, in North America, the average piece of clothing is worn only 4 times before it ends up in landfill? And most of it, including footwear, has been created out of petroleum-based, non-biodegradable synthetics. Recycling clothing is a wonderful concept but only 1% of all clothing is recycled into new garments. Most donated clothing ends up in landfills overseas.
More and more frequently, we are experiencing the impact of climate change. Our beautiful Island “cradled in the waves” is experiencing shoreline loss at astounding rates. And fast fashion is a major contributor to climate change. I certainly have become far more aware of what I wear, what materials my clothing choices are made of, where has it been manufactured. The feeling of being well dressed is certainly a boost to one’s confidence. So….what to do? Check out the slow fashion movement!
Over the past number of years, I have been purchasing far less. But I have been looking for timeless, classic, well-made pieces of clothing that can be worn for many seasons. I want clothing that is compostable, breathable, made of natural fabrics. I want easy pieces that can be washed – no drycleaning chemicals for me. And I want to have interchangeable wardrobe basics that can create a variety of outfits without having to have a huge number of pieces of clothing.
If you knit, crochet, weave, hook or participate in any fibre-related craft, you are already contributing to the slow fashion movement by creating quality pieces with a long lifespan.
Over the past number of years, I have been purchasing far less. But I have been looking for timeless, classic, well-made pieces of clothing that can be worn for many seasons. I want clothing that is compostable, breathable, made of natural fabrics. I want easy pieces that can be washed – no drycleaning chemicals for me. And I want to have interchangeable wardrobe basics that can create a variety of outfits without having to have a huge number of pieces of clothing.
If you knit, crochet, weave, hook or participate in any fibre-related craft, you are already contributing to the slow fashion movement by creating quality pieces with a long lifespan.
Consider choosing wool for your projects. It’s compostable, fire retardant and regulates your body temperature – important if you are having hot flashes, or you have a newborn baby who is unable yet to regulate their body temperature. And thank heavens for sheep. By munching on underbrush, they can help to reduce the spread of wildfires. Their hooves aerate the soil. They convert plant matter into a beautiful fibre year after year. This fibre can be used in clothing, home insulation and furnishings and even in your garden in place of fertilizers and mulch. Their responsible shepherds ensure that absolutely no harm is done to these sweet creatures when shearing takes place. Have an older, perhaps arthritic pet? They love to cozy up on a wool blanket!
Lots of folks think that they are allergic to wool. I certainly did! I remember trying on a wool sweater and pretty much ripping it off my body because it was so prickly. Much of that itch factor depends on the breed of sheep, on how the wool is processed and spun, and even on the dye used! In many cases, it’s the lanolin that is in the wool, not the wool itself, that people are allergic to.
So let’s forget about that prickly, itchy sweater that your mom or grandmother made for you eons ago. And check out the beautiful wool fibres available from your local wool stores, mills and shepherds. We are not separate from nature – we are a part of it. With every small step we make, including choices for sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, we are reconnecting to nature.
So let’s forget about that prickly, itchy sweater that your mom or grandmother made for you eons ago. And check out the beautiful wool fibres available from your local wool stores, mills and shepherds. We are not separate from nature – we are a part of it. With every small step we make, including choices for sustainable, eco-friendly fashion, we are reconnecting to nature.
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