Some things we simply ‘know’ are right, right? No scientific proof is needed. For us to stop and grin at spring bulbs busting up from the snow, or bask in long, early morning shadows tinged with dawn, just comes naturally! Yet, when science gets a handle...
Reflecting on International Women’s Day, what a fabulous opportunity to honour the women before us, who’ve sacrificially laid the truly sustainable foundations for where we are today. They are the encouragement for us to keep moving forward, together with...
#SlowGiving is a relatively new # on the sustainability scene, yet together we can make it take off! Thankfully giving fair trade gifts has never been easier. Eco-conscious people keen to live out their sustainability values, can choose from many alternative gift...
Fashion business coaching is not for the faint of heart! Especially when sustainability issues are taken seriously. It’s a tough industry and only the best last the course. At recent trade shows I met such a coach, Fashion Angel Warrior, and got to know founder,...
Conscious designers and brands look for beautiful sustainable fabrics. However, most often it’s a hard time at textile trade fairs. Next week you can find both people AND planet friendly textiles by Motif here at The Fabric Shows. Too often you’re...
Sustainable solutions will always be brilliant ideas. Sometimes they percolate and emerge slowly. Other times it’s a ‘Eureka!’ moment … maybe even in the bath surrounded by sustainable bubbles! Either way, you’ve no idea just when and how...
Remembering Queen Elizabeth at this time is on the hearts of many. Yet earlier this summer I had the great honour of meeting a woman of the same generation. One with a unique link to the Queen herself. You know what it’s like! When you meet a person who blows...
With the summer season well underway, chances are you’ve heard about reducing water usage, limiting your electricity or air conditioning, and other eco-friendly practices you can take part in. But what does it mean to truly have a green home all year round – not just...
Cultural sustainability is at the core of the amazing artisanal skills in Bangladesh that I love to share with you! But, that’s only one of the beautiful facets that make up this gem of a nation. I want you to know about others too. Because nothing happens in a...
Sustainable fashion is championed by conscious designers, ethical brands, and an increasing number of us who want it. We’re concerned about who makes our clothes, and how our planet is impacted in the process. What a privilege and honour then, for Motif Handmade...
No Waste November is inspired or provoked by this month’s COP26 event to address Climate Change. And around here at Motif Handmade, that’s about ensuring eco-friendly fabric is as much a part of our norm as possible! COP26 Maybe the opening of COP26 in...
Sustainable fabrics for SS22? If that means anything to you, I know you’re preeeety busy right now sourcing ethical fabrics for your slow fashion collections. If it’s simply yet another meaningless code – I get it! When we flesh it out a little as...
Does a blank page, or screen fuel your imagination or fill you with dread? My honest answer is a resounding, ‘YES!’ It really depends on the day. I mean, is it warm and sunny out? But, give me a blank natural fabric and it’s a different story....
Recycled yarn hand dyed with natural dyes seems almost normal now! Sustainable fabrics are here to stay and thankfully there’s a growing number to choose from. But, here’s a thought … what if there were no colours, if life really was a black &...
The dynamic young women you met here last week, are embracing the new as trend seasons start to change. Gorgeous recycled sari ribbon and soft natural cotton fabric are familiar materials. But a designer’s creativity for sustainable fabrics knows no end! So how...
Sustainable fabrics and slow fashion are still seen mostly as Women’s Work, and some baggage comes with that – especially in these days of shared responsibility at home and work! But, there is work happening in this realm we can hold onto with pride....
Fair trade, handmade goods are not just beautiful, they’re vital. Why? Because at their core each one offers a sustainable and ethical solution for both people and our planet. As this global pandemic inexorably moves on through the nation of Bangladesh an...
Reflecting on these last weeks is hard and necessary work. Many of us who live with a just do the right thing philosophy are seeing that although it’s a healthy mindset to have, there are times our ethical choices need exercising, stretching, so we really do do...
Aaaaaand drum roll pllllease … For our grand finale I’m proud to introduce one wonderful sustainable fashion designer Emily Harris of Mrs Emily! Emily has taken our #zerowaste, near #zerocarbon fabric and played with it … making such beautiful...
Some sewists may hesitate to work with handwoven fabrics – but I never met a sewist yet without a love for experiments! And what do you have to loose? By meeting your own home and clothing needs with a sewing machine, scissors and thread you’re already a...
