Following the keynotes, there will be two sets of breakout sessions that will cover a variety of topics in both discussion and hands-on learning formats, including a clothing audit, a local fibershed panel, toxic chemicals in textiles, the secondhand clothing journey, clothing labels, WA textile legislation, and repairs. There will also be exhibits in the Great Hall for you to get connected, learn more & take action! Learn about our workshop leaders here.
Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: The (In)visible Art of Mending Paige St-Pierre, Seattle-based textile artist Bring your favorite, well-loved garment in need of a simple repair (can be fixed within 30 minutes by hand with a needle and thread, e.g., button, small rip, patch) and mend it with us so you can declare your independence from fast fashion! Learn to prepare a needle and thread for hand sewing, practice a few simple hand-sewing stitches, and sew on a button so it won’t fall off.
The Local Fibershed Movement: How to Support the Production of Local Fiber Lina Lipski, owner and operator of Olympic Yarn and Fiber; Jean Van Effen from Tahoma Vista Fiber Mill, and Cathleen Robertson of ARAN Farms and Pacific Fiber (facilitated by Susan Skalek) Like the local food movement, the local fiber movement is trying to provide local products so that you can support local farmers and reduce your environmental impact and support local artisans. From a panel discussion, learn about the local fiber movement from these producers and processors.
Clothing Audit Naomi Spinak, fiber artist and Trashion Show chair What’s in your closet? What is the decision process that goes into buying or finding a new piece of clothing? When do you have enough? We will discuss why we buy clothing and what drives our choices. Naomi will share her pyramid of textile choices (similar to a food pyramid) and a shopping worksheet she has developed for her family to lower the environmental impact of clothing purchases.
Legislative action-What is going on politically and what can we do? Heather Trim from Zero Waste Washington Discuss results from recent WA legislative sessions and potential policy actions addressing textile and related waste.
DIY Dryer Balls: Wholesome Helpful Wooly Balls for Dryer Health & Happiness! Lily Diament-Hansen, textiles artist and Lara Hansen, chief climate scientist at EcoAdapt Make your own wool dryer balls while learning their benefits as an antidote to our chemical-centric society. Please bring your own 100% wool yarn, worn-out wool socks, or other wool article of clothing, plus the leg from a nylon or stocking. Materials will be provided if you cannot bring these items.
Secondhand Life Panel Discussion Kate Stragis, executive director of Ragfinery; Janelle Abbott, designer; and Zeb Whitehead, owner of Zutto Vintage & Antiques What happens to our textiles after we use them? Hear from three leaders making creative use of discarded textiles and clothing, and find out where the textiles you donate go.
Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: The (In)visible Art of Mending Paige St-Pierre, Seattle-based textile artist Bring your favorite, well-loved garment in need of a simple repair (can be fixed within 30 minutes by hand with a needle and thread, e.g., button, small rip, patch) and mend it with us so you can declare your independence from fast fashion! Learn to prepare a needle and thread for hand sewing, practice a few simple hand-sewing stitches, and sew on a button so it won’t fall off.
Textiles and Toxic Chemicals: AdDressing the Chemicals in Our Clothes Shirlee Tan, toxicologist for King County and Holly Davies, toxicologist for the WA state Department of Health Learn about many of the chemicals associated with clothing (in the manufacture and fabric itself) and how you can reduce your exposure to them. You'll never think of the term "clean clothing" the same way again!
Read the Label: Understanding What Your Clothes Are Made of and How to Care for Them to Reduce Your Environmental Impact Susan Skalek, design and manufacturing engineer and former owner of Esther's Do you want to buy with more intention? Reduce microplastics shedding? Care for your current wardrobe? Learn how to read labels and spot plastics, determine what clothes are made of if there is no label, how to wash and care for your clothes and how to successfully wash wool in the washing machine.
DIY Gear Repair: Demo and Discussion Kyle Willis, climber Learn how to extend the life of outdoor equipment through demonstrations of easy techniques and methods with hand tools and a basic sewing machine. Learn how the Speedy Stitch can save you hundreds of dollars and maybe save your trip! Basic zipper replacement and patching easy/difficult-to-access repairs included. Bring your gear in and get directions on how to make it work.
What you Gain from a Stain: Creative Stain Interventions Janelle Abbott, designer Creative interventions on how to rescue garments seemingly doomed by stains of any sizes, shape or quality.
Buy Nothing, Get Everything: The Textile Edition Rebecca Rockefeller, co-creator of the Buy Nothing Project, will give some background on this worldwide gift economy platform, then will take questions and walk attendees through the new app with their own items to give or receive.
