Fast Fashion, Slow Sewing

You may have seen that France have recently placed fines and regulations against ultra-fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. While there is backlash about major European contributors to fast fashion like H&M and Zara not being included in the regulations (I wonder why!), it is a glimmer of good news. 

In the past, I have written about my thoughts on sustainable sewing practices and organic fabrics, but I feel like now in 2025 we need to see a shift in a cultural mindset away from overconsumption. 

The act of sewing your own clothes is not just creative, it's empowering. You are deciding to be in control of a supply chain that is often invisible, and more so unethical. You are deciding to create a piece that you will wear for years, and one that will hopefully not be thrown into landfill.

Beautiful buttons by Textile Garden

I often hear a barrier to sewing clothes is not having enough time. My controversial take is that sewing should not be quick. I think productivity culture and overconsumption are hand in hand. It's a pressure to use as little time as possible to maximise output. But where is our joy, our rest and creativity in that equation. Sewing is meant to be slow. Time is so precious, and you choose to invest it in creating garments you love. And that's what makes it radical. 

It's the actions that seem small and individual that add up across the world to make a difference. Imagine if young people were actively encouraged to sew their own garments instead of falling for fast fashion. It's so encouraging to see more young people joining our sewing community and bringing a fresh energy to it and we only want that to continue increasing.

I personally feel so much more connected to myself when I'm wearing clothes I've made. Not only do I feel comfortable and that the clothes I wear perfectly represent who I am, deep down I feel at ease with how these clothes have been made. I'm proud to know that the entire making process has been done with my two hands, slowly and carefully. This has become a quiet foundation for who I am as a person, a fundamental value to how I live. And it's really good to be in a community that I can see feel the same way.

Hetty

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