At the heart of the concept of sustainability is a desire to achieve human and ecosystem well-being. The result of our human endeavors should be to provide the best of all possible outcomes for all people and the environment both now and into the indefinite future.

The process of sewing in a sustainable way combines the time honored traditions of one of the oldest of crafts with the heart, mind and hands of the sewing enthusiast, the knowledge and tools of modern technologies and the belief that living and working with care for the environment, economy and community ensures an enduring legacy for future generations.

Wondering what to do with – a treasured wedding dress lovingly stored away, or a bride’s maid, prom or special occasion dress long forgotten, hanging in a corner of a closet? What to do with heritage or vintage fabric handed down, or clothing from past years too valued to give away or too dated to wear? Consider if you will, to re-fashion those treasured garments and fabrics into babies’ christening or baptismal gowns, contemporary day or evening apparel, little girls’ special occasion dresses, a ring-bearer’s pillow or whimsical soft-sculpture dolls, bunnies, bears and much more?

Sustainable sewing embraces a philosophy that is mindful of and practical for our planet; a passion for continuing the legacy that enduring memories bring by re-fashioning those long held treasures into new festive garments, pillows, children’s toys and so much more to create something new from something old.

Where to find the inspiration to begin? How to create new memories from a treasured past? Let the memories of the past be your guide. Look at your fabric or garment and let it tell you your story. Feel the texture and drape, note the color and design. What new memory should it become? Browsing through the many social media sites related to sewing may provide that creative spark that can help in the transformation of something dear and old to something lovingly new.

A walk in the park can bring inspiration by experiencing the profound power of nature’s colors, the pattern of the play of light on a quite meandering stream or the riot of textures Mother Nature presents us from soft green grass or even the bark of a gnarly oak. When considering what should be the intended form for your new item - what it will look like, must follow function - what will be its purpose, let these be your guides for an endearing transformation of something old and treasured to something new and newly valued.

Happy sewing.