Episode 214: Sewing is an act of self-determination (part 1), with Ruby of Spokes & Stitches

Clotheshorse with Amanda Lee McCarty

Sewing can be an important component of the slow fashion way of life. This is part 1 in a series about all things sewing with Ruby Gertz of Spokes & Stitches. And wow, do we discuss a lot of stuff in this episode:

• A brief history of the mass production of clothing,
• Why people stopped sewing their own clothing as a regular part of daily life,
• We will unpack the barriers that make sewing a privilege for many in 2024 (and why it’s not realistic at this point to expect everyone to start sewing their own clothes),
• Why you might want to get into sewing,
• How you can get started on sewing even if you’ve never done it before,
• Ruby’s advice for finding less expensive fabric options,
• And of course, so much more.

Find Ruby on Instagram: @spokesandstitches
Starling Petite Plus
Spokes & Stitches

Some deadstock/closeout fabric recs for you:
L'Etoffe Fabrics
FABSCRAP
Jomar
Make + Mend

If you have more thoughts or advice to share about sewing, send it my way via email to [e-mail]. You can send an email or an audio message that you have recorded on your phone.

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Find this episode's transcript (and so much more) at clotheshorsepodcast.com

Clotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:

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Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.

Vagabond Vintage DTLV is a vintage clothing, accessories & decor reselling business based in Downtown Las Vegas. Not only do we sell in Las Vegas, but we are also located throughout resale markets in San Francisco as well as at a curated boutique called Lux and Ivy located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jessica, the founder & owner of Vagabond Vintage DTLV, recently opened the first IRL location located in the Arts District of Downtown Las Vegas on August 5th. The shop has a strong emphasis on 60s & 70s garments, single stitch tee shirts & dreamy loungewear. Follow them on instagram, @vagabondvintage.dtlv and keep an eye out for their website coming fall of 2022.

Country Feedback is a mom & pop record shop in Tarboro, North Carolina. They specialize in used rock, country, and soul and offer affordable vintage clothing and housewares. Do you have used records you want to sell? Country Feedback wants to buy them! Find us on Instagram @countryfeedbackvintageandvinyl or head downeast and visit our brick and mortar. All are welcome at this inclusive and family-friendly record shop in the country!

Located in Whistler, Canada, Velvet Underground is a "velvet jungle" full of vintage and second-hand clothes, plants, a vegan cafe and lots of rad products from other small sustainable businesses. Our mission is to create a brand and community dedicated to promoting self-expression, as well as educating and inspiring a more sustainable and conscious lifestyle both for the people and the planet.

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Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Salt Hats: purveyors of truly sustainable hats. Hand blocked, sewn and embellished in Detroit, Michigan.

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