Comments on: Green Fashion Basics http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/green-fashion-basics/ The Common Sense Approach to Fashion Mon, 14 May 2012 18:07:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Robin http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/green-fashion-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-127928 Robin Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:01:43 +0000 http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/?p=400#comment-127928 The dryer uses a lot of electricity (or gas), but my clothes would need a lot more ironing if they were line dried. Ironing uses significant electricity, too. (I sew professionally, and my electric bill shows it!) @Christine: if you sewed well when you were younger, you probably don't need a class... construction techniques haven't changed a lot. Stretch woven fabrics were a small challenge when they first appeared, until I realized they can be cut and sewn same way we used the stable knits in the 70s (but the raw edges will need finishing). :) The dryer uses a lot of electricity (or gas), but my clothes would need a lot more ironing if they were line dried. Ironing uses significant electricity, too. (I sew professionally, and my electric bill shows it!)

@Christine: if you sewed well when you were younger, you probably don’t need a class… construction techniques haven’t changed a lot. Stretch woven fabrics were a small challenge when they first appeared, until I realized they can be cut and sewn same way we used the stable knits in the 70s (but the raw edges will need finishing). :)

]]> By: Christine http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/green-fashion-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-125801 Christine Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:37:06 +0000 http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/?p=400#comment-125801 I've been "green" for years out of health concerns and professional necessity. I became allergic to synthetic fabrics as a teen back in the 70's. Try finding natural fiber clothing in the disco era! While we like to see doctors in suits, it's really not hygienic or good for the allergy-prone. Dry cleaning fumes are toxic, smell nasty and induce migraines. Scrubs are ridiculously ugly and difficult to find in all-natural versions. My biggest problem is how to find natural fiber clothing that's professional. They're simply not available and I've spent hours searching the web and local stores. Anything bohemian, athletic, casual or teenager will not work. I need clothes that are; 1. WASHABLE! 2. Business worthy. 3. Made of cotton, bamboo, silk, wool, flax, ramie or linen and preferably organic, eco-farmed or humanely raised. I'm allergic to hemp. 4. NOT LINED IN POLYESTER! I've found some feasible offerings in non-organic natural fibers and the manufacturers ruin them with synthetic, unbreathable linings. 5. While lining might improve the lay of the garment, do we really need an extra layer that takes longer to air or tumble dry? Perahps design and better fitting practices could eliminate the need for linings or at least return us to natural fiber fabrics. 6. NOT PLEATHER! 7. Leathers that are by-products of the food industry, not exotics or furs, are far more eco-sustainable and durable, thereby contributing to less waste and resources used, than any synthetic offering. Sorry PETA...the entire world's not going vegan anytime soon. 8. If I'm going to wear faux fur, it better be made from recycled materials and incorporated into the design so as to not make direct skin contact. I did a lot of sewing when In was younger out of necessity. Perhaps, IF I can find a masters level course around here, I'll really get back into it. So far my search hasn't unearthed anything but "how to make an apron" level classes. I’ve been “green” for years out of health concerns and professional necessity. I became allergic to synthetic fabrics as a teen back in the 70′s. Try finding natural fiber clothing in the disco era! While we like to see doctors in suits, it’s really not hygienic or good for the allergy-prone. Dry cleaning fumes are toxic, smell nasty and induce migraines. Scrubs are ridiculously ugly and difficult to find in all-natural versions.

My biggest problem is how to find natural fiber clothing that’s professional. They’re simply not available and I’ve spent hours searching the web and local stores. Anything bohemian, athletic, casual or teenager will not work. I need clothes that are;
1. WASHABLE!
2. Business worthy.
3. Made of cotton, bamboo, silk, wool, flax, ramie or linen and preferably organic, eco-farmed or humanely raised. I’m allergic to hemp.
4. NOT LINED IN POLYESTER! I’ve found some feasible offerings in non-organic natural fibers and the manufacturers ruin them with synthetic, unbreathable linings.
5. While lining might improve the lay of the garment, do we really need an extra layer that takes longer to air or tumble dry? Perahps design and better fitting practices could eliminate the need for linings or at least return us to natural fiber fabrics.
6. NOT PLEATHER!
7. Leathers that are by-products of the food industry, not exotics or furs, are far more eco-sustainable and durable, thereby contributing to less waste and resources used, than any synthetic offering. Sorry PETA…the entire world’s not going vegan anytime soon.
8. If I’m going to wear faux fur, it better be made from recycled materials and incorporated into the design so as to not make direct skin contact.

I did a lot of sewing when In was younger out of necessity. Perhaps, IF I can find a masters level course around here, I’ll really get back into it. So far my search hasn’t unearthed anything but “how to make an apron” level classes.

]]> By: susie http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/green-fashion-basics/comment-page-1/#comment-125708 susie Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:40:49 +0000 http://fashionforrealwomen.com/blog/?p=400#comment-125708 Dear Diana, I really think your web/blog site is exceptional. I recently had to close my women's & men's boutique; "the Natural Look...natural fiber clothing for women and men"; due to the economy; after having it for over 14 years. I think your content and suggestions are right on! I commend you. Also, I love the look of your site and would like to know how you got that image of yourself in the headbar, the charactature? Would you tell me how you got that look? I like it alot. Is it a software program? Do it cost money? Thanks. Susie Dear Diana,
I really think your web/blog site is exceptional. I recently had to close my women’s & men’s boutique; “the Natural Look…natural fiber clothing for women and men”; due to the economy; after having it for over 14 years. I think your content and suggestions are right on! I commend you.

Also, I love the look of your site and would like to know how you got that image of yourself in the headbar, the charactature? Would you tell me how you got that look? I like it alot. Is it a software program? Do it cost money? Thanks.
Susie

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