5 ways to deal with *gestures broadly*
It's Earth day everyday at FABSCRAP, we got you!
Welcome to Better Together’s bi-weekly newsletter, where we believe that the more we work together, the greater impact. Written by Rachel Ceruti, Director of Community @ FABSCRAP. This quarter’s theme is - Sewing Circles & System Change!
I’m just gonna get right into it.
Whether you want to forget, unpack, or drown in the confusing, weird, and scary reality we live in, I’ve got something for you! Of course, I’m biased, but all of these suggestions are MUCH better with community, so please considering joining us : )
1. Shopping & Wine
Didn’t expect that, did ya? The catch is, I’m recommending that you shop textiles diverted from landfill WHILE having a glass of wine, or two, WITH our lovely community!
We’re opening up the shop on a Monday evening to celebrate Earth Day!
Join us for shopping, wine, mocktails, snacks, & community - what more could you want?! Doors open at 5p with an optional presentation all about FABSCRAP, then we say goodbye at 8, sipping and mingling throughout!
2 . Learn to Mend
Ok, this is more like it. While there are countless tutorials, books, and whatever else - why not learn from the women who LITERALLY WROTE THE BOOK ON MENDING!
Darning 101, led by the amazing, Kate Sekules!
Start or grow your visible mending journey w/ skills + knowledge about the importance of mending for system change! Beginner friendly, materials provided, just bring something with holes, rips, tears, or a worn area (socks are best).
3 . Crafts, on Crafts, on Crafts
Need I saw more? Occupy your hands and you’ll free your mind! Check out my last post for more of my rambling about why we should all be crafting!
Bring that mending project you've been meaning to tackle and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and skill-sharing with others who love to create!
4. Learn about the importance of sewing circles for collective action!
You KNOW I’m on a mission to make panels great again! If I hear “85% Of AlL cLoThEs EnD uP iN a LaNdFiLl” at one more panel…. I’ll lose it. So, I’ve created panels on topics we want to learn more about highlighting actionable steps to walk away with and/or do immediately! I’m equally excited and proud of this panel.
Sewing Circles & System Change: Make, Mend, & Mobilize
Learrn, analyze, and engage with our panel of experts to gain more than just a deeper understanding of the issues and local solutions - expand your network, soak up valuable resources, and walk away with practical steps to address textile waste.
5. Read!
When in doubt, open up a book. Might I suggest our current book club selection, Consumed by Aja Barber. It’s an amazing book, I’ve read it twice and am so thrilled to be reading it again. It’s so well written it’ll take you like, a week to read!
Discuss “The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism" with the author, Aja, herself!
TBH, she’s in the UK so we’re trying to figure out the best time to do this video call discussion, but grab your spot now, limited tickets are available, and we’ll have it all figured out for you asap!
🔗Textile Resources
Vogue: How EPA deregulation could undermine fashion’s sustainability goals.
BoF: Trump’s tariffs rock fashion’s supply chain
New Yorkers: Testify at the New York City Council's "Oversight Hearing on Preparing NYC for Changes in Federal Funding," held by the Committee on Finance jointly with the Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation.
Climate Cafe at The Brooklyn Public Library next Saturday!
Do you have reworked textiles that you have made or collected, including in-progress work, to share and contribute to RRSG’s online archive? Join us for our next show-and-tell.
Pratt Institute is expanding climate literacy and promoting climate justice through the creation of public art in the New York City area.
At FABSCRAP, we believe if you're making the problem, you pay for it; looks like New Jersey agrees.
From the circular economy to the fashion industry, how does one influence circular behaviour?
Shameless plug, but I geniunely love this concept - catch me at the next Climate Rise.
Whether you're a seasoned climate professional or new to the field, Climate Rise welcomes anyone passionate about advancing climate solutions!
This event looks fun: Japan X Brooklyn Runway
Still thinking about all those amazing events we have? Check out our calendar for more!
📰 What We’re Reading
“RIGHT TO REPAIR”
Fantastic article about the lack of consistency from Wirecutter’s Top 100 Reviewed Products. The importance of repairability goes without saying, yet is rarely a consideration. They state, “roughly one-in-five [products] had Internet-connected features or mobile apps associated with their products. And while 20% of products might not sound like a big percentage, my guess is that the 20% figure is because nobody has taken the plunge to make an Internet-connected peanut butter mixer (at least not yet).”
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“SPRING CLEANING”
Approximately 10 million tons of reusable household items and furnishings end up landfills each year. To reduce this amount, the MSWAB has compiled a list of organizations and stores that will help you donate, share, sell, or swap the things you no longer want. Additionally you can replace your old things with newly thrifted items!
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'“CONSUMED”
Announcing our next Book Club selection! Not only is this book so well written but it captures the nuances, elephant(s)-in-the-room, and actionable steps to challenge the fashion industry to do better. It’s sassy. It’s serious. It’ll open your eyes even if you’ve been in sustainable fashion (or something similar) for years. I’ve read this book twice and am SO excited to read it again. Cannot reccomend enough. Save the date - we’re talking about it June 18th!
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Thanks for reading!
Please like, comment, & share - it really helps AND means a lot : )
Craft night ❤️