Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mackenzie on 1st mo. 9, 2012 at 6:32pm

I do not have one yet, but since I've been looking into it lately, I figure I should point out that non-US cotton fabric labeled "fair trade" may not be. It is apparently VERY common elsewhere (I think it was specifically India & Uzbekistan that I saw cited for this) for farmers to sign contracts saying they'll do right by fair trade standards to get 70% more for the cotton they reap but then not actually following the rules.

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 1st mo. 9, 2012 at 7:54pm

I'm wondering if Ten Thousand Villages (Mennonite fair trade stores) might have leads? I know they personally visit all their suppliers all over the world. Let me know if you find any reliable sources. Thanks for the scoop. I had found a very hopeful looking site in the UK, now I'm a bit concerned.

Barb

Permalink Reply by Paula McConnell on 1st mo. 10, 2012 at 9:03am

This is a tricky question. As I've become more aware of my own leading and the work that is required of me, I've time researching where our fiber comes from. It is not good news. There is movement for change, however, so I am hopeful that by the end of my lifetime the incredibly destructive processes used for creating fabric will be ended. For now, avoid cheap fabric made in China, as they use cotton sourced from Uzbekistan. Fabric made in Japan and the US are from factories that are held to a higher standard, but it's difficult to know where the fiber is from. Wool, tencel, and organic cotton are good choices. I've been buying from nearseanaturals lately, and can speak highly of their service. 

I'll be exploring this deeply in my new website, The Dress For Peace Project. I'll let you know when it is live. I think it will go up by the end of the month.

Permalink Reply by Barbara Smith on 1st mo. 10, 2012 at 10:04am

Paula - I look forward to your website. I assume you will announce it here? i also was led yesterday to Nearseanaturals and am going to order samples from there. I want to make my dresses from their fabric. Can you recommend one of their fabrics for dress material? it is very confusing, but maybe I can avoid getting too many samples! I just want something as close to cotton broadcloth as possible. I'm especially impressed with their natural colored cottons.

Thank you for doing this work,
Barb

Permalink Reply by Paula McConnell on 1st mo. 25, 2012 at 12:48pm

Hi Barb - 

My apologies for the delay of my response. I'm sorry, but I can't help you with your question. They have great customer service and would be happy to help you narrow down selections so you don't need to order so many swatches. I'm working with the natural flannel, the hemp/cotton muslin and a couple of pieces that I am experimenting with. 

And yes, I will certainly be announcing the Dress for Peace Project here! :)

Paula