Summer is officially here and it is time for lazy hot days and school holidays. While we have fun this hot season, let’s not forget that the choices we make at home and outside significantly impact the environment. So here are some fun and easy, but effective eco-friendly ideas for summer that the entire family can enjoy. 1. Choose Leisure Activities With Low ImpactStep outdoors to enjoy the…
Guide To Second Hand Shopping And Hidden Gems
Here’s a little secret – I don’t enjoy shopping. I get fed up with the lack of transparency on our high streets and it really is a minefield of ethical concerns. I spend the entire time looking through fabric labels and checking the fibre content to at least gauge if the raw materials are ecofriendly – it’s a bore. Plus, with fast fashion at an all time high, I hate the thought of wearing the…
Can You Flush Tampons? No! Use A Fab Little Bag
Do you know how much environmental damage flushing tampons down the toilet actually does? Meet my inspiring entrepreneur friend, Martha. She founded her company FabLitteBags, and her idea is so amazing you’ll think, “Ah! I wish I’d thought of that!” I won’t spoil the surprise… here’s Martha to explain her ingenious eco idea.
As we are celebrating Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, a more modern…
Where To Buy Vintage Patterns And How To Sew Them
I recently wrote an extensive guide on where to buy new dressmaking patterns, but ‘new’ may not be your style! Vintage clothing is very popular these days, with fashion trends from the 19th and 20th centuries inspiring modern-day designs. If you’re looking for the original vintage charm and adore old-school quirks, here’s a fantastic guide to vintage patterns: what they are, finding the…
Back In Stock Eco Fabrics & Swatches!
Recycled Polyester Satin(Buy 3 metres for 17% off)
Stunning, heavyweight satin fabric made of 100% recycled polyester (RPet). In a gorgeous creamy ecru colour, this fabric truly glows.Light Blue Handwoven Crossweave
(Buy 3 metres for 21% off)
Sourced from a small weaving village in Northern Thailand, this fabric is woven entirely by hand. It’s a gorgeous, soft fabric and the subtle, tonal…
How To Start Your Make Do and Mend Life!
Jen Gale is an eco superstar, make and mend warrior, blogger and mum. She lives in Wiltshire with her hubby and two boys who are 7 and 4 and ¾ – the ¾ is very important! Back in September 2012, the family embarked on a year of ‘Buying Nothing New’, and it transformed their lives. We wanted to find out all about Jen’s transformation and share some of her eco expertise.
Eco Fabric Swatches: New packs now in the shop
Our new swatch packs are in stock! I think you’re going to like them.We’re all about providing great customer service and one of the things we’ve been asked about is offering similar ecofriendly fabric swatches in ready-made packs, to help you make your all-important fabric decisions. We decided the fabrics that would be best grouped together and have come up with a selection of packs that we…
Offset Warehouse Eco Fabric Update: White Fair Trade Silks Back In Stock
Our Off-White Peace Silk Taffeta and White Silk Organza are back in stock! Off-White Fair Trade Peace Silk TaffetaThis stunning Off White Peace Silk Taffeta is made entirely by hand in our Fair Trade certified weaving facility in Cambodia. The workers are provided training and have clean and safe working environment, and are all paid a fair wage for their work. Unlike traditional silk…
The last of our Christmas Showcase! Over the last few weeks some of our favourite bloggers have whipped up festive projects using our fabrics, and we have had some fabulous ideas and projects sewn up.
Today: Organic Chambray Shirt
by Stephanie at Starcross
Fabric: Organic Pink & White Stripe Chambray
While others were making presents or decorations for the Christmas showcase I went the Grinch way and used the fabric to make a new shirt for myself. Happy Christmas to me! I mean, how could I resist making something wearable for myself with this beautiful fabric?!
I chose the Hawthorn pattern by Colette as my pattern and soon noticed that the stripes in this fabric were quite a challenge to work with, but also lent themselves well to some creative designing. I decided to have the stripes run lengthwise along the garment, but crosswise on the collar, the cuffs and the peplum. I took particular care to match the stripes at the centre front so the shirt would look nice when buttoned up.
To finish off the shirt I chose some wooden buttons, because they complemented the natural touch of the fabric well. All in all, a successful pre-Christmas present for myself. Merry Christmas everyone!
