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Making an Effort will be appearing on the DJ blog weekly - Thurs or Fri. I'll be seeking out designers & crafters who use eco-friendly methods and/or materials where possible in creating their products. The entirety of their collections may not be 100% organic or green or recycled, but they're trying and that's the point. They're making an effort. Doing something is better than doing nothing at all.
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Kicking off this new feature is Sheila Clancy from Shecological. Her adorable & stylish totes and handbags incorporate "earth friendly materials and manufacturing practices...she uses organic cotton/hemp canvas and organic cotton twill, water-based inks, and low-tech printing." Each one is totally unique and full of personality!
What do you create?
I make handbags and bags of all sorts. I also have been known to make dolls, clothing, and really anything that involves stitching and textiles or fibers. I have been sewing since I was about 5 years old. My parents raised us to be creative, self-sufficient, and thrifty - “waste not want not”. I am also bad at following directions or sticking to a pattern, so I am mostly self-taught and my designs have all evolved out of my head. I am inspired by textile history (in particular, William Morris) and Japanese art, culture, and design.
What materials do you use?
I love all natural fibers – silk, hemp, cotton, wool, etc. I also love surface design such as printing, embroidery, dye, and woven patterns. I love natural dyes and have a dream of growing my own indigo to dye with. I took a course in professional natural dyeing and am planning to incorporate some naturally dyed fabrics in upcoming products. I love mixing color and pattern and have a hard time remembering to put in solid pieces now and then.
What made you decide to use organic textiles in your products?
I am always trying to advocate for organic textiles because I think it is an area that most people don’t think too much about. Everyone realizes the importance of organic food but textiles are such a huge part of our lives and they can be so wasteful and polluting. Synthetics, chemical dyes, and pesticides just seem like an offense to what is otherwise a wonderful thing. I don’t want to work with chemically laden materials and I don’t want producers or consumers to have to be exposed to them either.
Do your customers seek out organics?
I think that customers are drawn to the fun, original nature of my bags first, then they are interested in the healthy, eco-friendly aspect of them. I want to show customers that organic and natural can be colorful, chic, and affordable.
What is the biggest challenge in using organics: sourcing, price, variety, etc?
If I could, I would use all organic and natural products. Sourcing and pricing can be a problem sometimes but I think the biggest issue for me is resisting a fabric that I like (kind of like eating candy when I know it is not good for me). My goal is to eventually have all organic or repurposed fabrics. In the meantime, I feel good about using what I have in my stash and not buying anything new (unless it is needed to fill out the rest of the bag.) I feel that using organic for a portion of the bag is a good start and it really does make a difference both in cleaning up the world and in raising awareness.
Do you have plans to incorporate more eco-friendly materials in your products?
My goal in making these bags is to infuse as much positive, healthy energy and materials as possible into the world. I love the fact that I can have a business the is built on natural products, minimal waste, individual pride in production, no sweatshops, and friendly, creative human interaction!
Anything else to add?
I am a fabric fanatic! I am a designer and stitcher obsessed with handmade, japanese culture and international fashion. I am also an environmentalist! I want to see the whole world eventually switch back to natural dyes and organic natural fibers! Natural can be and is stylish and functional!!
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Thank you for sharing your ideas & ideals with us, Sheila! The effort you're making is commendable and very much appreciated! Sheila is a member of the Eco Etsy and Etsy Organic Teams. From now until the end of the year, she will be donating 5% of her sales to Heiffer International.
