The idea of slow fashion can often seem inaccessible, not affordable, or simply too time consuming for everyday life. In this workshop returning artist Aaron of @aaronsandershead will teach basic, easily adaptable skills to create a sustainable wardrobe without having to purchase any additional clothing.

Students are encouraged to bring 3 well-loved, favorite garments in need of 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, to a lovingly used denim jacket. Think natural fibers such as linen, cotton, rayon and silk. These should be garments that bring you joy and that you want to continue living with.

We’ll begin the day exploring the world of plant-based dyes. We’ll learn to use Indigo and Shibori techniques to cover stains and bring new life to garments, and explore osage, black walnut and onion skins to create a spectrum of color. Participants will dye fabrics to use as mending materials, or use these colors to spruce up their garments.

After a lunch break, participants will also explore the world of meditative, slow stitching. This includes stitching for embellishment, 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. Using our dyed fabric from earlier in the day, along with naturally dyed scraps, thread and vintage fabric from my stash, we will patch and mend our loved garments. 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 empowered with a skill set to continue their slow fashion at home in a sustainable, affordable way. Using their 3 renewed garments as a road map, this workshop aims to plant the seed for a lifestyle shift, and a wonderful journey of slow fashion for participants. Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch or visit a local SoMa restaurant during the lunch break.

Sunday September 8, 2019, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM

Class fee is $95. A materials fee of $25 will be due to teacher at time of class.

Spaces are limited; online registration & payment are required to reserve your spot.