Organic Sewing: Show and Tell with Christina

Meet Christina of Icewerks. Today she is going to tell us a little about what she sews with organic cotton fabrics:

Modern Organic Fabrics: What do you make with organic cotton fabric?

Christina: I tend to make clothing, especially for my 4 year old daughter.  Both she and my husband suffer from allergies and eczema and so are sensitive to fragrances, dyes and scratchy fabrics.   I want the things that are on her skin or close to her face to be as chemical free and natural as possible.

Modern Organic Fabrics: Which fabrics have you used?

Christina: The cotton gingham has such a wonderfully soft feel but I'm really finding myself drawn to the organic knits.  They're a smoother, heavier weight and sew up so beautifully.  I made a long sleeved tee out of the Storm hemp and organic cotton for my husband and he wears it constantly.  He says it breathes better than a plain cotton shirt.  Right now, I'm really looking forward to using the herbal dyed cambric.  I've just started using natural dye plants to color my spinning and knitting fibers and being able to extend that into my sewing is very satisfying. Ed. note: Christina has since finshed a shirt for her daughter using the peach herbal-dyed cambric and Oliver + S's Music Class Blouse (below).

Modern Organic Fabrics: What do you like about the fabrics?

Christina: Organic fabric lines just feel so good!  I think that's partly because more care is taken in their growth and processing and partly because the designers who opt for organic also tend to opt for a nicer quality finish too.

Modern Organic Fabrics: How do you make your projects?

Christina: I'm a fly by the seat of my pants sewer.  I like to sew fast and I use my serger, especially with knits, when I'm looking for instant gratification sewing.  With a young child at home, I need to maximize my sewing time too.  I should use my iron more, though.

Modern Organic Fabrics: Do you use patterns? If so, which ones?

Christina: I find my inspiration in Japanese craft books -- I have... um.. quite a few -- and small designer or European pattern sources.  Ottobre, Citronille, Oliver +S, Farbenmix, Burda, and Onion are a few of my favorites.  Not always being able to read the instructions has helped me understand sewing in a spatial way instead of a list of written steps.

Modern Organic Fabrics: Anything you'd like to add?

Christina: Thank you, Melanie, for providing a go-to place for organic fabrics.  I'm a busy mom and I'd rather use my free time making something than endlessly searching the 'nets for organic materials.  I especially appreciate your upfront info on certification and processes so that I know more about what I'm choosing.

You're welcome, Christina and thanks for sharing! You can find Christina at:

www.icewerks.blogspot.com.  (At least, when real life lets me...)

Have you made something with organic cotton fabrics? Would you like to be featured here? Email me using the link over in the right column!