About
Thanks for visiting my website! I’m an English teacher by day and a fabric artist by night. I sew clothes from environmentally responsible fabrics. While my operation (read: me alone for hours in my sewing room) is not zero-waste, it’s very close to it. Scrap fabrics are used for clothing repairs, adding flare to existing pieces, and more. I use recycled cotton thread and buttons are made from either recycled plastic, wood, coconut shells, or thrifted from Community Projects in Napa.
I began sewing a few years ago with the goal to stop buying new clothes (socks and undergarments excepting). I resolved that for a new item to enter my wardrobe, I would have to learn to make it. After making more pieces than I could reasonably wear myself, I started also making clothes for friends and family. Now I would like to share my art with my broader community.
Why it matters
The fashion industry comprises an estimated 10% of global carbon emissions and has serious consequences for the health of our environment. Microplastics in our synthetic clothing continue to find their way into the ocean, rivers, and streams along with harmful chemical dyes and other pollutants. In fact, according to the IUCN, an estimated “35% of all microplastics found in the ocean come from the laundering of synthetic textiles like polyester.”
Fast fashion, which is mass-produced clothing made from cheap materials, also utilizes some horrific labor practices. Child labor continues to be used in many countries, with millions of children working in the textile industry.
By some estimates, up to 85% of all textiles end up in dumps or landfills each year. An average American generates approximately 82 pounds of textile waster per year while around 80 billion new pieces of clothing are produced every year. (This is approximately a 400% increase in our clothing consumption in the past 20 years.)
An alternative
Instead of purchasing clothing made from synthetic fibers that further degrade the health of our planet, consider buying clothing made from natural fibers. When possible, consider adding flare to existing clothing instead of buying new items when you need a refresh. We have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our actions have on the planet and each other.
Some of my clothing is available for purchase at
The Maker's Nook
933 Coombs St
Napa, CA
Further links