Sustainability

Sustainability is more than a saying, it’s our mission.

The Time is Now

Our environment can no longer take the amount of fashion waste produced every year. We’re here to inspire a new generation of sewers that center sustainability in every creation they make.

Sewing a More
Sustainable Future

Our founder, Janine Inselmann, is involved with sustainable fashion organizations like Remake that educate others about the impact fashion has on our climate. We at Sewing Lab hope to make an impact by empowering a new generation of sustainability-forward sewers and by creating a sewer-to-employee pipeline that connects Sewing Lab students with circular and sustainable fashion companies. Together, we can create a more sustainable fashion future with a needle, thread, and community.

How We Combine Sewing & Sustainability

70% of sewing fabrics will be donated textiles

We source our class fabrics from materials that would otherwise go to the landfill or are donated by fashion and textile businesses. This allows our students to practice using different types of textiles while understanding the impact of recycling and reusing existing fabrics.

We partner with sustainable fashion brands

We learn from innovative sustainable fashion brands that are sewing magical creations. We also partner with them to send our skilled sewing students to their facilities to support more sustainable fashion within their repair and recycling facilities.

We use vintage treadle machines

We offer students sewing classes on modern sewing machines and vintage treadle machines. These classic sewing machines teach students how to be resourceful with materials and refine their technique so as to waste less and create more thoughtful designs.

We believe in the potential of every individual to embrace their unique abilities, define their path, and influence the world around them.