The Influence of Better Lives Themes on my work – Blog 2
From the moment I started sewing, I’ve been up-cycling and using old fabrics and clothes to create new garments. I was particularly excited about this project and leaning more about the Better Lives themes, as sustainability in fashion has always been a passion of mine, and I’m always wanting to learn more about ongoing issues in the world and their potential remedies.
Despite my love of creating new things from old, filling my wardrobe with unique pieces that I’ve made myself in a sustainable manner, I have always felt like my avoidance of fast fashion and attempts at making everyday choices that are kind to nature and other people, have been somewhat futile in the grand scheme of things. All the issues covered in this project seem (and honestly are) far larger than me. However, this has done the opposite of disheartening me. If these lectures have taught me anything, it’s that education plays a key role in any kind of change. If people are well informed on issues, it’ll influence their thought processes and decision making and while what we can do as individuals might only be small, when large groups of people focus on a goal, anything can be achieved. Whether or not it feels like it, the power is in the hands of the consumer and if we all come together to demand change, change will happen.
In the future I plan to continue creating up-cycled clothes, bags etc. and I would like to start selling them. I’ll also try and inspire as many other people who have the means to do so too because, while I think it would be fantastic for large corporations and fast fashion to be boycotted, it’s not going to happen unless more sustainable alternatives are readily available. I now believe that more conversations need to be had concerning these topics in order to raise awareness and educate as many people as possible. I’m aware of the fact that none of the themes in this unit have easy, realistic, straight-forward answers but there are definitely everyday things – such as being conscious of where the products you buy come from and choosing not to participate in things that are harmful to people and nature – that can be put into practice to help make the world a better place. I’m afraid I’m going to have to end this by paraphrasing my favourite Gandalf quote from the Lord of the Rings, however I think it perfectly sums up my thought process right now – “It’s believed that it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I’ve found. I found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.”