sew for yourself

Making your own duds and stuff for the home is a great way to save money and reduce the use of manufacturing resources. Especially when you're using eco-friendly textiles like organic cotton, peace silk, eco-wool or hemp. Even more so if you use reclaimed fabrics.

There are even sewing patterns that are made sustainably -- like the patterns by Amy Butler. I saw this adorable tunic/top pattern today (at Fiber Notion, you can get it here).

I don't think I'm skilled enough to make this yet, I just sort of dabble infrequently in sewing projects. But I'm going to get some practice, 'cause this pattern is seriously cute. It's also made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper without chlorine bleaching.

I might be able to swing this great handbag:


Ms. Butler's also got some free patterns up on her site, like cool quilts, pillows, and this yoga mat bag:


Be sure to make it with some nice organic canvas or super eco-friendly hemp. Or try one of these organic sateen prints from Harmony Art (via NearSea Naturals):


Check out the top 10 eco-friendly fabric sources on Etsy [by Tiny Decor]

A few more eco textile sources:

• Aurora Silk -- peace silk fabric, thread, and yarn
• Cascade Yarns -- eco wool yarns
• Classic Elite Yarns -- yarn made from bamboo
• Earth Friendly Goods -- hemp fabric and twine
• Furnature -- a range of eco fabrics
• Heart of Vermont -- organic fabrics and batting
• NearSea Naturals -- organic fabrics and notions
• Organic Cotton Plus -- organic cotton fabric, notions, and more
• Wildrose Farm -- eco-friendly overstock fabrics
• Yarn Market -- yarns made from all sorts of eco sources