I’m sitting on the balcony, watching the clouds and reading an old copy of Peppermint magazine. The end of Winter always brings days of torrential rain which I and my plants are thankful for. My tiny ferns that line our balcony drink deeply, some new and needing to be re-potted.  

I’ve started a new exercise regime and it’s been so surprising, I’ve actually found an exercise that I really, really enjoy: the spin bike! I rode for forty minutes this morning listening to one of my favourite podcasts called the Good Life by Jonathan Fields. It was an episode on authenticity and the power of introversion in a world that cannot keep quiet. I am an introvert through and through, and I’ve have found some semblance of peace knowing that others do thrive in an environment that will advertise otherwise. In the episode, Jonathan Fields interviews the magnetic Susan Cain. She wrote a book called Quiet which gives a voice to the quieter folk around and she's also spoken on the topic for TED talks, which can you view here!

Life is passing by again and I have a lot of goals in place that feel ready to take off. All I can tell myself is to work hard, be forever curious, forever learning. I’ve been leaning into the craft of textiles again and it’s been almost a year since I’ve sewn myself something entirely from a roll of fabric. I’ve missed trawling through the fabric store with my sketchbook in hand, drawing ideas directly inspired by the material. These days I’m very much drawn to linen in every colour and organic cotton, hemp and plant-dyed materials.. I’m also in awe by different slow burning techniques like Japanese shibori, Cambodian hand-spun silk and block printing from India. All garments I’d love to purchase from its source, or to learn (these days I am feeling creatively courageous!)

I’ve missed turning my tiny room into my own atelier. I’ve drawn sketches of different tunics, dresses, pants and bags that I am itching to make. I’ve also drawn ideas of simple sandals which I’d love to be able to design one day, and simple jewellery hand-made out of clay and organic thread. There is an incredibly dangerous fast turnaround of clothing production with so many detrimental effects on the environment and for the workers. It’s become so important to me to source all of my clothing back to its maker, as best as I can realistically afford. There are so many benefits and goodness in knowing where your clothes have come from, it’s also quite romantic too, in knowing that what you’re wearing has been thought, designed and loved by a creative. 

I’ll admit, a lot of the designers that I love can be expensive and I’m not currently working so, if you are in a position close to mine or it’s not realistically favourable to purchase direct from the maker, I would recommend buying second-hand! There is magic and adventure and wonder in trawling through secondhand stores. You never know what you’re going to find? You can put together basically an entire outfit in one store, and no one else around will be wearing what you are. I’ve become so accustomed to buying second-hand, it’s one of my favourite past times. And it goes for more than just clothing, I’ve found some of my favourite ceramic bowls and mugs, books, jewellery and records from secondhand stores. Ones trash can be anothers treasure. 

If you don’t know what to do with old clothing, I say re-gift, recycle or reuse. Everyone is creative! I’ve made totes from old t-shirts, ripped old tartan button-ups to use around the house as wash cloths. Alternatively, you could also donate to a store, hold a market stall, host a garage sale. Make throwing it in the bin the last option. Our planet is sadly struggling and the landfill each year is filled with old clothing that could have been re-used. Lets minimise our carbon footprint. Always ask the question when you’re purchasing new clothing: Will this last me more than a year? Will it get enough wear? 

Here’s to living a greener life, one step at a time.