Slow fashion borrows many ideas from the world of slow food and asks that consumers think about where their garments come from and who makes them. The movement attempts to marry together three main concepts: clothing that is well-made (including taking into account the conditions of the maker), beautiful and long-lasting. The idea of slow fashion can often seem inaccessible, unaffordable, or simply too time consuming for everyday life, but this workshop will teach basic, easily adaptable skills to create a sustainable wardrobe, without having to purchase any additional clothing.
Students are encouraged to bring 5 well-loved, favorite garments that need a little sprucing. The garments can range from a worn, older sweatshirt, to a more formal dress with an unfortunate stain, to a favorite pair of jeans with lovely worn knees. Think natural fibers such as linen, cotton, and rayon or silk. These should be garments that bring you joy and that you want to continue living with.
On day one, Aaron Sanders Head of www.aaronsandershead.com will introduce workshop participants to the world of natural dye. Using indigo, along with other natural dyes, like black walnut, avocado and osage wood, he will teach techniques for using plant-based dyes to give a new life to old garments. Participants will learn how they can make dyes at home with easily accessible materials. Participants will also dye fabrics to use as patchwork materials on day two.
On day two, Aaron will guide students through the world of meditative, slow stitching, including stitching for embellishment, beading, couching and sashiko stitching for mending and reinforcing weak stress points in garments. Students will learn which mending and reinforcement techniques work for different people, and how to make clothing work for you in your every day life. Participants will begin to see their clothing as an extension of their body, and something that can grow and change, rather than having to purchase new clothing.
It is our hope that participants leave with a different viewpoint regarding fast fashion and consumerism when it comes to clothing, and will feel armed to the teeth with a skillset to continue their slow fashion at home in a sustainable, affordable way. Using their 5 renewed garments as a roadmap, this workshop aims to plant the seed for a lifestyle shift, and a long journey of slow fashion for participants.
Sunday September 16, 2018, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM AND
Monday September 17, 2018, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Class fee is $195. A materials fee of $35 will be due to teacher at time of class.
Spaces are limited; online registration & payment are required to reserve your spot. No refunds.