In today's (enforced) austerity movement, people are quick to embrace the mend-and-make-do aesthetic, though as I insisted in my Sew You Say? blog, I'll start sewing when I spy real men giving it a go, not just cartoon characters (though this did make me chuckle – thanks, Viz).

 

It's not that I can't appreciate the talents of textile gurus, fashion designers and even self-styled seamstresses. In fact, I'll even suggest interested parties visit Textile Footprint, Textile Forum South West’s conference on 21 March at Somerset College of Arts and Technology in Taunton. The conference will explore the issues surrounding the ethical,ecological and sustainable use of materials. Don't miss keynote speaker Kate Fletcher (author of Sustainable Fashion and Textiles) and the other speakers including the fabulous Jenny Ambrose of ethical fashion label Enamore.

 

If you're in doubt about the importance of the ecological footprint of textiles, take a look at my blog on the US cotton industry.

 

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