Imagine the Possiblities
The function of The Sewist Society is to reduce waste, provide jobs, educate and facilitate. There is a great need for fabric recycling in all corners of the planet. By thinking globally and acting locally, we believe we can make an impact in our community by off-seting fabric that would normally be sent to the local landfill. It is also the desire of The Sewist Society to elevate sewing as a skilled trade, much like that of a welder or carpenter. Sewing is an undervalued skill that is most often done by women, an undervalued gender. We aim to give sewists a way to make a living from home while creating products from up-cycled fibers.
Why does this have value? By bringing awareness to the overconsumption of fabric and textiles, we can highlight the need for a textile recycling program while providing innovative solutions for the excess. Furthermore, with the implementation of the Home Sewist Member Program, we can highlight sewing as a skilled trade and bring awareness to the gender and class inequalities that have infested the garment industry. TSS believes all sewists deserve a living wage, that all humans do, and we can start showing that by paying an average of $15-$25 per hour depending on skill level.
TSS has a three prong approach to fabric/textile recycling: sewing classes; products made from waste; and selling supplies at a reduced rate to artists/sewists/designers, encouraging our local community to produce, participate, and consume sustainable designs, art, and crafts. It is our hope that this model can be replicated in other cities and communities.
Creating a community of Sewist and skill share. Ultizing the materials donated and needing to be recycled and using them to teach sewing.
Products Made From Fabric Scraps & Waste
TSS extends the life of fabric and textiles by giving it a new life in the form of a face mask, quilt, apron, and other items that the home sewists can make.
TSS supports the community and our local artisans. TSS anticipates receiving large amounts of fabric donations, and intends to sell excess fabric and notions to the community at a discounted price. This will benefit independent artists, new designers, experimental craftspeople, and more.