From Scraps to Statements 

I am sure you have at least once gone through a ‘fabric selection catalog’ to select the fabric for your curtains, sofa covers, or other upholstery in the house or workplace. Ever wondered what happens to those catalogs(fabric swatch books) once they are outdated? Trends change fast, and businesses can't always keep old catalogs around. They take up space and might not even be useful anymore. So, a lot of the time, they just get tossed.

But - if these fabric swatches are made from recyclable stuff like cotton or linen, they can be sent to textile recycling centers. There, they get broken down and turned into new materials. Rare creatives around are even repurposing them into quilts, bags, or clothes! Sadly, not all waste fabric swatches get a second life. Synthetic ones or mixed materials often end up in landfills. Ah, these dangerous synthetic ones! These synthetic ones are the termites to take care of! We all know that textile waste, like termites damaging a structure, has a damaging effect on the environment. Landfills filled with synthetic fibers release toxins, while improper disposal can lead to pollution and soil contamination! 

Now, coming to the point I want to share from the context of general knowledge above is that - I have been collecting these "no longer needed" fabric swatches (catalogs) - loads of them, from local shops and turning them(upcycling them) into makeup bags, clutches, and book sleeves, kindle sleeves, toiletries pouches, travel pouches, and coasters - for my personal use and gifting purposes. Isn't this beautiful one? It's my favourite from the current lot 👝. 

If you need some unique gifts for your loved ones, feel free to ping me. I would love to make something for you too. Upcycled gifts aren't just eco-friendly; they are also great conversation starters, of course, you need to be in the right company for it😆.

Ok.

Right then, signing off for now. I know that my efforts might be a drop in the ocean compared to the vast amounts of textile waste generated globally. But then they say,”You might be but one drop in the bigger ocean, but even that drop causes ripples which affect every other drop!” Hope you are that other drop💧my dear reader.

Regards, Jaee💫