Somewhere to Start
Tressa Heckbert
The easiest place for us to improve our environmental footprint was to start from the bottom up, literally. Looking down on our studio floors and in our waste baskets there were fabric scraps everywhere. “What do we do with all our cutting waste?” As is the case of many studios I have worked in over the years, you get used to the compiling amount of scraps and the task of throwing it out. The quantity of materials has a very visual impact, something that is hard to ignore. So, we decided it was here we would begin our steps towards achieving sustainability. Through brainstorming design ideas and the functionality of the different shapes and sizes of discarded fabric, we came up with solutions to even our tiniest scrap of fabric waste.
Our new Carry All bags are created using our second largest pieces of fabric waste, cut into 1½” strips and woven basket style. This bag also features a upcycled pillowcase lining and inner pocket.
Hula Hoop rugs consists of many meters of 1” fabric scrap yarn, which is then woven into a “rag rug” style using the hoop as the loom.
Panel Pillows include both the largest fabric waste pieces and the tiniest of scrap, we create “one of's” panelled pillows and stuff them with the last of all our itsy bitsy bits.
The Trumpet Top features an ornamental ⅜” scrap linear weave within the large net detail of main fabric. (main fabric is made from deadstock)
Zero Waste Fashion
A design or manufacturing technique eliminating textile waste. E.g. : Draping, smocking, zero waste patterning, whole garment knitting, using scraps or 'cut offs' in a secondary product.
Upcycling Designs
The transformation of materials into products of equal or higher quality. Prolonging life of textile waste.
