Sustainable style: Eco Friendly Fashion Courses

The fashion industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources. Whether it’s during the manufacturing process or the sourcing of materials and resources, the environmental impact can be detrimental to our planet.

Many fashion houses and designers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the processes involved. Some designers focus on carbon off-setting, others assist with community projects, working with independent producers and artisans.

Consumers are also aware of the impact and there is a growing demand for ethically produced products. Sustainability in the fashion industry is essential for addressing environmental and social challenges. With increased sustainability comes innovation. By embracing sustainability, the fashion industry can contribute to a more equitable and brighter future for generations to come. We want to help grow the move to a more sustainable approach. Eco friendly fashion courses are one way in which we can all play a part.

What is the benefit of eco-friendly fashion courses?

By learning to craft items in an eco-friendly way you are helping to grow the movement towards a more sustainable approach.

Costs can be reduced for both the consumer and the producer/manufacturer.  You are supporting independent artisans who are often preserving ancient traditions and heritage in the items they are crafting.

Eco-friendly fashion often promotes ethical labour practices, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. We’ve all heard the horror stories of unsafe working conditions suffered by workers in far away factories, often being paid poorly for their work in often difficult conditions.

3 Benefits to learning sustainable fashion techniques

1. Skill Enhancement: Learning sustainable fashion techniques can enhance one’s skills in areas like sewing, design, and resource management.

2.Creativity: Eco-friendly fashion encourages creativity and innovation, as designers often have to think outside the box to create beautiful and sustainable items.

3.Health Benefits: Using non-toxic materials and natural fibres can lead to healthier working conditions for designers and makers, as well as healthier products for consumers. The mental health benefits are also impressive, helping to de-stress, lower blood pressure and even provide a form of mindfulness.

Our Eco Friendly Courses

We always take into consideration the environmental impact when creating our courses and experiences, take a look at our wide range of eco friendly courses on offer!

Tombolo in Milazzo – Tombolo is also known as bobbin lace which really came into prominence in Italy in the 18th century. It can be used as a decorative element and a fashion accessory, such as on dresses, shoes, bags, earrings and bracelets, adding a touch of elegance and originality.

Furthermore, the bobbin can also be valued in the artistic field, as a decorative element in art installations and as a component of works of art. There are 4 elements to the course:

1. Start of the course: set up the design, fill the bobbins and start of the plain stitch, which forms the basis of bobbin lace.
2. In-depth study of the basic techniques: acquisition of mastery with the cloth stitch, learning to make curves and bars, which are essential for the creation of any bobbin lace work.

3.Finishing and decoration: focus on foot finishing, useful for attaching the lace to the fabric to make it even more decorative.
4. Creation of personalised works: creation of small works to consolidate the techniques learned and experimentation with new creative solutions, with the possibility of choosing the projects together with the teachers best suited to your needs and tastes.

Shoe making – Today Italian footwear is internationally renowned. We want to share this passion and knowledge with you. Learn how to use your hands to make your own bespoke shoes, without using processes with a high environmental impact. You will study at the side of our expert artisan and learn the following:

• The materials you will need and how to select them
• Practical drawing
• Patterns and how to use them in the design process
• Leather cutting
• Stitching
• Upper assembly
• Shoe fitting and much more!

Millinery – Working with brand SUPERDUPER which has a focus on sustainability and handmade products, you will have an authentic hands-on experience. Students will be actively involved in the creation of your own unique piece of millinery. Use specialised tools utilised by professionals in the trade. Learn to use hat blocks – essential when shaping the hat during the blocking process. Become familiar with a hat brim cutter, a chain sewing machine and learn to stitch by hand. Understand the fabrics and materials used and why.

You will be using techniques and processes which are less labour intensive, creating an individual piece or collection, with a smaller carbon footprint. You are creating a bespoke item which you will undoubtedly keep for a long period of time – hopefully forever! Shop bought mass produced items are more likely to be thrown away, creating more waste and negative impact on the environment.

Circular knitting – This course caters for a diverse audience, welcoming students of all ages, regardless of prior knitting experience. The course can cater to beginners starting from scratch to those with existing knitting skills seeking to refresh their knowledge or explore circular knitting techniques.

Circular knitting offers the flexibility to create seamless garments, whether flat or round. In recent times knitted fabrics have increased in popularity and notable fashion designers are embracing this method of production.

Knitting is a relaxing, calming and also a social activity. Many enjoying knitting with others, and being able to chat and knit whilst in the company of others is something that has happened for centuries.

Whether you choose to use recycled wool or eco-friendly wool, knitting can be a wonderful activity if you are looking for a sustainable creative craft.

Hear from Evelyn who booked our Tomobolo Course. We have been delighted to learn that Evelyn has even kept in touch with our artisans following the course!

I spent two and a half days in the company of wonderful Sicilian ladies with a passion for Tombolo. Learning this old art from them, it really felt like a privilege. Also the place where we were staying was full of history and authenticity. This was an experience to my heart.

Join the movement and help us to make a change, book one of our eco friendly fashion courses today!